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What does the ANC Manifesto say about tech and science?

You may have missed the official launch of the the ANC’s 2014 Elections Manifesto that was held in Nelspruit over the weekend.

Many political analysts have criticized the manifesto over the fact that many of its key commitments and plans are a reiteration of its 2009 Manifesto plans. Stephen Grootes’ analysis of the plans and promises made on the Daily Maverick is well worth a look at for a clear understanding of this.  Among the usual and popular plans for jobs, housing, education, health and land reform, we picked up a few interesting points on the party’s commitment to science and technology plans.

President Jacob Gedley’hlekisa Zuma outlined a number of interesting commitments to cleaner energy, the promotion of energy self-sufficiency and the expansion of access and use of ICT infrastructure.

The ANC’s plans read as follows

Cleaner Energy

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  • Our plan will ensure that there is domestic security of supply of coal to existing and future power stations.
  • Both traditional and green energy will be expanded to ensure a platform for growth and social inclusion, including the use of nuclear power for energy generation in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner.
  • Additional energy will be generated through the completion of large power stations.
  • Solar and wind power will feed into the electricity grid to increase our generation capacity and promote environmental sustainability.
  • Further hydro-electric energy will be secured domestically and regionally for the national grid.
  • A further 1.3 million homes will be installed with solar water heaters, bringing the total to 1.75 million houses, covering more than 7 million South Africans.
  • The pace of oil and gas exploration – including shale gas exploration – by the state and other players in the industry will be intensified as part of the country’s effort to ensure national self-sufficiency and energy security while promoting environmental sustainability.

These are quite interesting plans. One that is particularly noteworthy is the solar and wind power feed plan, as it is not as yet a possible option in South Africa, however, it would be fantastic if it were to be implemented as it would not only save energy but also benefit ordinary citizens who use solar energy or are looking at using it.

Access to and use of ICT infrastructure

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  • We will invest in a comprehensive plan to expand broadband access throughout the country and substantially reduce the cost of communication.
  • We aim to connect all schools, public health and other government facilities through broadband by 2020, and at least 90% of our communities should have substantial and superfast broadband capacity by 2020.
  • Government will support and develop free-WiFi areas in cities, towns and rural areas.
  • The local electronics sector and emerging entrepreneurs will be stimulated as part of our efforts to support the manufacturing industry.

The ICT plans on the other hand are not much to write home about, especially because most of them have already been outlined in the National Broadband Policy, so it’s not a new idea or unique to the ANC for that matter.

Many unfulfilled plans and promises have been made by the ANC and the president in previous years and with a time frame of only 6 years for its ICT plans, it remains to be seen whether or not the party will be able to deliver, should it be voted into power for a fifth consecutive time.

Download and read a copy of the full manifesto on the ANC’s website.

(Images: Main image = Jacob Zuma ahead of the manifesto launch, MyANC, Rest = Shutterstock)

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