Steemit Engagement Challenge 2 | Steem4Nigeria Contest | My Manifesto for the next President by @patjewell

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My fellow South Africans,

Being a President of a nation is no easy task and a post I never thought I want.

I had to rethink by thoughts as my beloved country is being lead down by its current governing party and leaders.

It is with great honour and integrity that I would like to serve my country by being SMART and present my manifesto with you, the nation.

S – Specific – My intentions
M – Measurable - How to measure the proposed changes
A– Achieve - Will I be able to accomplish the changes?
R – Realistic - Is my changes realistic?
T – Time-bound – The time period for these changes

South Africans are worried about the future of the country. Johnny Clegg was so right in his song when I sang about “Scatterings of Africa”.
I am convinced that we can turn the country around creating opportunities for South Africans to stay and not to go in search elsewhere.

My manifesto is based on 4 crucial points

1. The basic rights as citizens
2. Strengthen the economy
3. Sustainable and affordable housing
4. To rule in the interest of the people

1. THE BASIC RIGHTS AS CITIZENS

Clean drinkable water for all with a safe sanitary environment is a basic right for all citizens. Water is a source of life and the first right citizens must have access to while together with a clean sanitary environment it will contribute to the health of millions of South Africans.

Challenges we are facing:

It is clear that South Africa is facing a water crisis. We have seen a city like Cape Town with as close as 2% available water and “Day Zero” looming at times over the last few years.

Aging infrastructures like pipes and water plants are a huge problem as government has neglecting servicing these units.

Overall the sewerage system in South Africa is showing signs of collapsing. Figures which were release indicated that only 58 of the 824 is currently supplying clean water.

We have seen on National television how sewerage is running in the streets of many of the local municipalities.

My intentions:

I want South Africans to have access to clean and running water at all times and I want to ensure that there is no human waste contaminating the streets where our children are playing.

How to achieve this:

• Servicing and replacing of infrastructure on a regular basis to prevent bursting of pipes etc.
• Ensuring fast turnaround times fixing and restoring water pipes and other infrastructure to ensure the reducing of wasting of water and sewerage spills in the street
• Workable and health compliant waste plants at all times while risks are minimized
• The regularly testing of drinkable water
• Encouraging the installation of pre-paid water meters, low-flow and waterless toilet systems
• Replacement of pit toilets or latrines on all municipal grounds like schools
• Ongoing information sessions with local communities, businesses and citizens regarding saving water and alternative water supplies like boreholes
• Introducing of management plans to local municipalities

Time is of the essence:

Most of the suggestions can be implemented with immediate effect. The only long term challenge is the servicing and changes to infrastructure. To ensure that citizens have water in areas where the infrastructure has collapsed I will make sure that water tanks is place and rotated on a regular basis. Burst sewerage pipes will receive high priority.

2. STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY

The economy is the heart of any country. It is through strengthening the economy that jobs are created and investors obtained.

Challenges we are facing:

Projects which are not sustainable and costly introduced by government is make it difficult for local municipalities to keep their heads above water.

There are so many red tape and regulations for new businesses like BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) which makes it impossible for small entrepreneurs to start a full blown business

Poor public infrastructure like roads and transport makes it impossible for investors to commit to investing. The supply of electricity is making it difficult not only for local businesses but also for recruiting investors.

It is not easy to obtaining trading licenses which makes it difficult to attract overseas investors.

Educational problems for young children to young adults.

My intentions:

My intention is to start with basic service deliveries as it will eliminate so many of the economic problems and unemployment rate. Thereafter I will make it easier for new businesses to get off the ground and at the same time grant investors the opportunities to invest in South Africa. Lastly, I will invest in the people of the country.

How to achieve this:

• Development and implementation of new infrastructures
• Free quality education for all
• Providing infrastructure for informal traders
• Making government land available for potential farmers
• Asses and changes to policies and regulations regarding start-up businesses and investors
• Lessen the turn-around time for starting a new business
• Implementing programs whereby temporary workers are transformed into full time employees
• By using local service providers with good references
• Participating and hosting International Trade Fairs and doing business surveys
• To be pro-active in the recruiting of investors

Time is of the essence:

Except for the new infrastructure the other suggestions are easily obtainable.

To enable a smoother and faster process I will bring in the help of various committees to assist with the assessment and roll out process. These committees will be formed between local residence, businesses and municipalities.

3. SUSTAINALBLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

I do believe that providing for adequate housing is a basic human right and should be implemented by countries all over the world. People deserve the right to have a roof of their heads.

Challenges we are facing:

Over the last few budget speeches and implementation thereof we have seen a cut in the budget for providing sustainable housing to the people of South Africa.

There has been a high increase of numbers of immigrants flocking to South Africa with the result that local municipalities are seeing more and more informal settlements being developed where there is no supply of any basic services.

My intentions:

To provide South Africans and immigrants with housing to sustain the growth of the country.

How to achieve this:

• Get government to increase the budget for adequate housing
• To establish a housing policy which is achievable
• Provide equal opportunities for all the people living in South Africa through guaranteed housing
• To making housing more affordable
• Find the right location with the correct zoning
• Upgrading of existing informal settlements
• Support to the homeless

Time is of the essence

It is the one change which will take time. However, the result in the end will be rewarding.

In the interim period local municipalities can look at empty government building, town halls and other governing buildings which are not in use to provide a temporary roof for those who are living on the street.

Lastly, teaching citizens on how to build and where to build their homes is vital and it can be implemented immediately through local municipalities and communities.

4. TO RULE IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE

I am of the believe that all Presidents and governments must govern to the interest of the whole nation.

Challenges we are facing:

Corruptions on government level is high and we face appointments in key positions where the employee is not qualified to do the job.

South Africans are left with high rates, a fuel price where the government is taking nearly 20% and service which are not delivered.

Bribes are paid to officials so that they can perform their duties.

Government is failing to put relief measurements in place as seen with the recent floods South Africa experienced.

My intentions:

It will be my goal to govern in the interest of the people of South Africa making sure that action is taken against corruption, crime and general discrimination of the public.

How to achieve this:

• I will stand for good practise at all times eliminating corruption
• I will act stronger against crime
• I will ensure that wasteful projects is stopped not only by government but also my municipalities
• I will enforce the use of the best available technology
• I will ensure that the right people is appointed in the right jobs
• I will promote a fair tender practise
• I will encourage the residence to get involve in their communities and municipalities
• I will ensure that the correct and effective disaster management policies are put in place

Time is of the essence:

Only with the support and interaction of residence, businesses, communities and municipalities can we make sure that we act in the interest of the people at no time.

South Africa,

I am committed to stand as your next President and to ensure that I rule to the best interest of the people of South Africa. Are you?

The decision is now with you to make the right cross on the next ballot paper.

Your next President.

10% to Steem4Nigeria

I invite;
@ngoenyi
@msquaretwins
@samuel20