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DA Holds Pre-SONA Conference, Pledges GNU Support and Economic Reforms

GENERAL NEWSPOLITICS
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DA Federal leader, Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament , John Steenhuisen said the Government of National Unity needs to urgently create policies that drive economic growth and enable job creation. (Photo credit: John Steenhuisen MP on X/Twitter)

The Democratic Alliance hosted a pre-SOA conference on Wednesday ,5 February to address economic growth and employment.

DA Federal leader, Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament, John Steenhuisen said the Government of National Unity(GNU), needs to urgently create policies that drive economic growth and enable job creation.

He mentioned that the DA’s objectives are growth and jobs within the GNU.

Steenhuisen addressed his role as the Minister of Agriculture. He said he’s driving the growth and job agenda by reviewing and reforming legislation and regulations that are outdated, expanding global market access to farmers, boosting financial support for farmers, and bringing private sector management in Ports.

We need a functioning port and rail system to move the products around the country as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible.

He also mentioned that Public Works Minister, Dean Macpherson is turning South Africa into a construction site, he is using infrastructure to pilot several approaches on how South Africa deals with critical infrastructure in 4 municipalities. Once the pilot is completed, Steenhuisen said the project will be rolled out in eighteen other municipalities.

According to Steenhuisen, Macpherson will use public assets and infrastructure as a vehicle for growth and opportunity in the country, his administration is planning to use a budget of R437 billion to carry out this project, that focuses on water, energy, transport and housing.

On the Home Affairs administration, he spoke about the integration of technology that will enhance and improve efficiency for South Africans, ensuring a secured and non-fraudulent system.

The border patrol management has seen an increase of 215% in illegal immigration in the past festive season which shows the success of digital technology.

Regarding the matter of food security, he mentioned that twelve proclaimed fishing harbours have been identified as coastal economic harbours, providing opportunity for growth and jobs in the community they serve.

He also mentioned that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment has allowed substantial fishers to catch 36% more of legal species which will improve food security while preserving sustainability.

Steenhuisen said economic growth will be fast-tracked through reforms in networking industries, energy, logistics, and telecoms to enhance efficiency and participation.

He addressed the DA’s opposition of the Expropriation Act, claiming it is unconstitutional. He said the DA will use the GNU structures to mount their opposition to the law from within the government as mentioned in their last conference on 25 January.

“We will approach the courts, arguing that this act is indeed procedural and substantively unconstitutional,” said Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen reassured South Africans that the party will continue to be part of the GNU despite differing views on the implementation of recent legislation.

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