Behind the façade of noble intentions

The ANC’s annual January 8 statement is a significant marker in the political calendar because it outline’s the governing party’s priorities and programme of action for the year ahead.

Inevitably, the media coverage focused on the glitz and the glamour of the event, the luxury cars, the entertainment, the abundance of alcohol, the gourmet menu -- and then the political promises.

Our job is to go behind the façade, and analyse the content of President Zuma’s keynote speech. Taken at face value, it contains many statements with which the DA can agree.

We agree that South Africa should be guided by the "vision of a non-racial society built on the values of equality and respect for a common humanity".

We agree that "job creation must be the central focus of our economic policies" because jobs are the only sustainable way to beat poverty.

We agree that our public health care system must be "revitalised and improved" which includes "appointing qualified personnel and improving infrastructure".

We agree that there must be a sustained improvement in public education and that "teachers must be in school, in class, on time, teaching for at least seven hours a day".

We agree that "government must provide textbooks and [learning] materials and provide the necessary support".

We agree that loans should be converted to bursaries for deserving tertiary students who succeed in their studies.

We agree that the country needs a strong, diverse and independent media.

We agree that "alcohol and drug abuse are twin scourges that impact negatively on all aspects of South African society" and that there should be a campaign to reduce the impact of this abuse.

We agree with the notion of "steadfast opposition to corruption."

We agree that senior municipal officials should not hold executive leadership positions in political parties.

We agree with the promotion of democracy, peace and stability in Africa.

These are all noble intentions. The problem is that the ANC cannot achieve these goals because of its own inherent contradictions.

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