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If you just want to see the summarised manifestos, scroll down the “The Results”.

In my previous post (How the South African elections work), I discussed how the results of the South African elections are calculated. That was all actually a distraction on the way to my actual goal of summarising the political parties’ manifestos.

Summarising things

My wife and I wanted to get an idea of each of the parties’ stances, but some of them apparently set a goal of hiding those stances in a sea of as many other words as possible2. Outside of the risk of hallucination, summarising walls of text is a task perfectly suited to an LLM. As such, I put together a little script (in Rust, because I’m still learning and am looking for excuses to use it) to feed manifestos to the OpenAI API.

Getting manitexto

I didn’t end up summmarising the manifestos for all of parties; just a couple of the more popular ones and those that made their manifestos particularly easy to find3. As is always the case when gathering data, a not insignificant portion of the effort was spent on munging the manifestos into a usable form.

There were really three levels of manifesto parsing difficulty. The easiest was FF+; their manifesto was on a page on their site, so I just copied it over to a text file. Most parties fell in the medium difficulty class and made their manifestos available as PDFs with embedded text layers. The text can be pulled out of those with a tool like XPDF’s pdftotext. Only MK fell in the hardest category; their manifesto was a PDF without the text layer and had to be fed through ocrmypdf to add the text layer to the PDF first.

Pulling text straight from a PDF results in artefacts like page numbers, headers, and footers scattered through the text, so I spent some time cleaning up the text files. Once that was done, I had a list of manifestos reading to be LLMd.

The OpenAI API

I would’ve just thrown the manifestos into Chat GPT, but (as of writing) its free tier uses GPT 3.5; the version of GPT 3.5 with the largest context window is gpt-3.5-turbo-0125, with a window of 16385 tokens. That’s nowhere near enough for most of the manifestos. GPT 4 Turbo (and its 128000 token context window) was appealing, but it’s not free, so I had to fork over 10 of my real life dollars. Using it via the ChatGPT interface would’ve cost $20, so I was happy to save some money by calling the API directly.

What I didn’t realise initially is that OpenAI doesn’t let you go full speed with just $10 in a new account. They have an account limit system where the more you spend and the older your account, the more they trust you and allow you to call their APIs more quickly. Their rate limits are based on the number of tokens you pass to their models and my account’s limit for GPT 4 Turbo is 30000 tokens per minute. As a result, the huge 128000 token context window ended up being useless, since I could actually only submit 30000 at a time. I didn’t really feel like spending more money, though, so I just split --number 4 EFF.txt "EFF" and fed each too-long manifesto through in chunks. I then re-submitted the resulting summaries to be combined4.

Figuring out my way around the rate limits may have been a bit of a pain, but at least the OpenAI API itself is dead simple (their quick start guide takes all of 1 minute to run through). The request bodies look something like:

{
  "model": "gpt-4-turbo",
  "messages": [
    {
      "role": "system",
      "content": "You are an experienced political journalist that writes four-paragraph summaries of the manifestos of political parties"
    },
    {
      "role": "user",
      "content": "Please summarise the following manifesto:"
    },
    {
      "role": "user",
      "content": "<a full manifesto>"
    }
  ]
}

And it spits back a response that looks like (with some fields cleaned up for brevity):

{
  "object": "chat.completion",
  "model": "gpt-4-turbo-2024-04-09",
  "choices": [
    {
      "message": {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) 2024 Manifesto outlines ..."
      }
    }
  ],
  "usage": {
    "prompt_tokens": 4472,
    "completion_tokens": 450,
    "total_tokens": 4922
  },
}

The results

Here they are in alphabetical order! The text in each section comes straight from GPT 4, including any formatting.

ACDP

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) manifesto for 2024 expresses concerns about South Africa’s current challenges and outlines its intentions to address these issues through biblical and values-driven governance. The manifesto highlights the failures of current governance in sectors like energy, transportation, and crime, while also critiquing international influences on South Africa’s health policies. Amidst the persistent issues of load shedding and port inefficiencies that impede economic growth, the ACDP vows to revitalize the economy, specifically through job creation, poverty alleviation, and infrastructural development. This includes policies aimed at supporting small businesses, vocational training, and reviewing burdensome regulations that limit investment and entrepreneurship.

The party places a significant emphasis on restoring the functionality of critical state-owned entities like Eskom and Transnet to ensure energy reliability and efficient logistics systems. They propose technical and operational reforms intended to reduce corruption, enhance performance, and promote renewable energy sources as part of a broader environmental and economic strategy. The manifesto also addresses crime, proposing the establishment of an independent anti-corruption entity and resources to improve policing and public safety. These measures are expected to restore public trust and ensure justice and safety for all citizens.

In terms of social policies, the ACDP plans to overhaul health, education, and property rights frameworks to better serve South African citizens. They oppose mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and promote alternatives in healthcare management, reflecting their commitment to uphold individual freedoms and religious beliefs in public health. The education policies advocate for a return to basics, emphasizing parental involvement, religious freedoms, and the removal of progressive educational content deemed unsuitable by the party.

In its international stance, particularly concerning Israel, the ACDP commits to reinstating full diplomatic relations and supports policy measures that align closely with its Christian doctrinal beliefs. Altogether, the manifesto calls for governance that prioritizes faith-based principles, market-friendly approaches to economic issues, and robust measures against corruption and inefficiency, aiming to evoke a sense of moral and civic renewal across South African society.

ActionSA

ActionSA’s 2024 Election Manifesto, spearheaded by Herman Mashaba, emphasizes pragmatic solutions over aspirational promises to address South Africa’s critical issues as the nation marks 30 years of democracy. The manifesto articulates comprehensive strategies focusing on economic growth through job creation, empowering the informal economy, and enhancing small business development. It also proposes significant reforms in foreign investment and trade policies to bolster the economy.

Central to the manifesto are inclusivity and economic justice, proposing the establishment of an Inclusive Economic Empowerment Act and the creation of an Opportunity Fund to aid historically disadvantaged groups. Additionally, the manifesto supports a Universal Basic Income Stimulus to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic participation, alongside improved access and execution of social grants through the SASSA.

Education reforms are heavily emphasized, with plans to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, overhaul curriculums for global competitiveness, and expand access to tertiary and vocational education to align with market needs. The manifesto also stresses the expansion of public universities and technical colleges to increase educational capacity.

Finally, ActionSA pledges to address South Africa’s energy crisis by decentralizing the market and promoting renewable sources, alongside commitments to strengthen law and order through police reform and anti-corruption measures. The manifesto also underscores securing borders, streamlining immigration processes, and enhancing tourism and foreign talent acquisition. Overall, ActionSA’s manifesto presents a robust plan aimed at lifting the country towards economic recovery and social stability.

ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) has issued its manifesto entitled “A Message to South Africans” to outline its vision and plan for the country in light of the upcoming 2024 elections. Celebrating over three decades since the end of apartheid, the manifesto acknowledges significant strides in democracy and development, yet underscores persistent challenges and the need for accelerated progress. It articulates a promise to utilize experiences over the past years to enact broader economic and social transformations, enhance job creation, and intensify the fight against corruption.

Central to the ANC’s strategy are six priority areas: First, a comprehensive jobs plan focusing on public employment, support for small enterprises, and the engagement of the private sector in job creation. Second, the manifesto emphasizes the need to build and modernize industry for an inclusive economy, advancing industrialization, supporting local entrepreneurs, and committing to substantial infrastructural investments. Third, it addresses the high cost of living by proposing measures such as food security initiatives, affordable healthcare, and housing.

Fourth, the manifesto stresses the importance of investing in people through initiatives to improve education, healthcare, and the provision of basic services. The fifth priority underscores the importance of defending democracy and the advancement of freedom, calling for enhanced safety measures, governance reforms, and the fight against corruption. Lastly, it aims to build better regional and international relations to improve Africa’s standing in the world and to foster developmental and peace efforts.

In transforming these promises into action, the manifesto pledges detailed planning, stringent prioritization of governmental efforts, and a robust framework for accountability to ensure that these commitments are measurably met. It concludes by soliciting unity among South Africans to collaboratively achieve a more equitable and prosperous nation, reinforcing the ANC’s commitment to a collective approach under the rallying call “Doing More, Together. A Better Life for All.”

ATM

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is presenting its 2019 manifesto as a solution to address the long-standing issues faced by South Africa 25 years post-apartheid. The ATM manifesto sharply criticizes the current state of governance in South Africa, highlighting corruption, lawlessness, and socio-economic stagnation as critical areas needing urgent attention. They outline their vision through ten cardinal pillars, which emphasize aspects such as peace and security, economic growth, education, health, and land reform. The manifesto clearly positions the ATM as a faith-based party advocating for an inclusive, values-driven approach to governance, prioritizing humanism and the principles of Ubuntu (community spirit).

The primary focus of the manifesto is on addressing critical social issues like ensuring peace and safety, combating crime, and revitalizing the economy to create jobs. The ATM pledges to implement comprehensive strategies around each pillar. These include the reinstatement of capital punishment for severe crimes, land reform to redistribute and secure land rights, economic strategies targeted at reducing inequality and poverty, and major reforms in education to address the systemic issues plaguing South African schools.

Moreover, the ATM illustrates a strong commitment to social integration and cultural respect, aiming to provide equitable service and support to all citizens, irrespective of their background. This includes better integration and recognition of traditional and religious bodies, promoting gender and disability rights, and creating a robust framework to empower women and youth.

Finally, the manifesto promises a relentless fight against corruption with a vision to build a capable, service-oriented state that truly reflects the will and needs of the people. The ATM’s comprehensive approach targets structural changes across all levels of governance, advocating for a mixed socio-economic model that incorporates the best of both market and redistributive policies. By voting for ATM, citizens are urged to choose a path toward a transformative change that stakes a claim for a better, more just future for all South Africans.

BOSA

Build One South Africa (BOSA), under the leadership of Mmusi Maimane and Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, has introduced a comprehensive manifesto aimed at reshaping South Africa through a strategic focus on jobs, community empowerment, and strengthened governance. Centered on the principles of Ubuntu, BOSA seeks to unify the nation and address long-standing issues of inequality, corruption, and economic stagnation.

The party’s central objective, encapsulated in its Jobs Plan, aims to revitalize South Africa’s economy by fixing the education system, fostering safer communities, and instituting a capable, merit-based government. BOSA is committed to creating employment opportunities through infrastructure improvements and educational reforms, targeting a dramatic reduction in unemployment, particularly among the youth, who face a staggering 70% joblessness rate.

Additionally, BOSA proposes a profound overhaul of economic sectors, highlighting the need to stimulate disenfranchised communities and bolster advanced industries. The intention is to address spatial economic exclusion left over from apartheid and provide all South Africans ample opportunity to participate in and contribute to the economy at all levels.

Furthermore, the manifesto details a robust approach to governance reform, advocating for digitalization and transparency in public service operations, alongside a drastic reduction in political and bureaucratic excess. By changing legislation to allow direct election of public representatives and establishing stringent accountability measures for government officials, BOSA plans to restore public trust and efficiency in governance.

In sum, BOSA’s manifesto presents a bold vision for South Africa, focusing on economic revitalization, comprehensive educational advancements, and governance reforms intended to empower communities and ensure sustained prosperity. With a strategy centered around unity and practical problem-solving, BOSA aims to guide South Africa towards a more inclusive and flourishing future.

COPE

The Congress of the People (COPE) manifesto presents a holistic vision for revitalizing South Africa by targeting corruption, governmental inefficiency, and inequity. Noting the adverse effects of long-term ANC governance, COPE aims to transform the political landscape through a social democratic lens to foster a robust and inclusive society. The manifesto bluntly critiques existing systemic issues like corruption, particularly under former President Jacob Zuma, and proposes stringent anti-corruption measures, alongside a call for sweeping health services reform, reflective of a deep-seated need to dismantle entrenched systems of mismanagement and enhance citizen welfare.

COPE’s manifesto emphasizes a dual focus on enhancing governmental accountability and addressing economic directives. It introduces an A-Z guide of essential reforms, with a notable emphasis on instituting a mixed electoral system to replace the current proportional representation, aiming to heighten political accountability and effectiveness. Economic strategies encompass significant reforms advocating for infrastructural advancement, job creation, and the promotion of a transparent, accountable governance system. This approach underscores the party’s commitment to managing the nation’s budget deficit responsibly while eliminating corruption to revive public trust in governmental institutions.

Environmentally, COPE advocates for aggressive policies to combat climate change, paired with transformative shifts in transport and energy sectors. This includes proposals for a greener economy through investments in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure, while also revamping the public transport system to reduce congestion and pollution. The manifesto also seeks to innovate South Africa’s educational and technical training environments to align with future job markets, ensuring a workforce equipped to handle emerging global challenges.

Overall, COPE’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive blueprint aimed at reshaping South Africa into a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable nation. It calls for rigorous legislative and systemic changes to achieve these ends, stressing the importance of community engagement, enhanced public services, and a stable rule of law to foster long-term national progress and societal equity. This document stands as a robust challenge to the status quo, inviting voters to actively participate in realizing these ambitious but necessary reforms.

DA

The Democratic Alliance’s Rescue Plan for South Africa

In the 2024 elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) presents a bold and urgent Rescue Plan to address South Africa’s multifaceted crisis after years of ANC rule, which it claims has led to corruption, poor governance, and economic downturns. The DA emphasizes a transition to a merit-based public service system, undoing the ANC’s cadre deployment which they argue has led to an inefficient government and public service. They propose starting by filling public service roles solely based on competence to rejuvenate the government’s function and capability.

Central to the DA’s platform is economic rejuvenation focused on alleviating the unemployment crisis. They plan to create two million new jobs by reforming labor laws to encourage hiring, particularly among the youth, and by enhancing the flexibility of the workforce through skills development. The party also aims to address energy and water crises by moving away from state-controlled power generation to increase competition and efficiency in these sectors, thereby ending load-shedding and stimulating economic growth.

At the community and individual safety level, the DA plans to halve the current rates of violent crime, including gender-based violence, through decentralized policing and a new crime-fighting agency modeled after the dissolved Scorpions. This approach aims to foster a more localized and effective policing system. Additionally, they advocate for the overhaul of the education system by tripling the number of grade four learners who can read for understanding, enhancing foundational education quality, and promoting inclusivity and excellence across all schools.

The healthcare proposal from the DA rejects the ANC’s National Health Insurance in favor of a mixed model enhancing both public and private healthcare sectors. They propose universal healthcare coverage that increases accessibility without imposing the centralized model that they argue could lead to service decline and increased corruption. The DA’s plan is comprehensive, focusing on reversing state capture effects by promoting a transparent, accountable governance framework, aiming to shift South Africa from its current trajectory to one of prosperity, security, and integrity.

EFF

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) 2024 election manifesto outlines a comprehensive and ambitious agenda for transforming South Africa’s socioeconomic landscape, focusing on issues from nationalization of industries to enhancing public safety and infrastructure.

Central to the EFF’s economic policy is the nationalization of mines and the establishment of a state mining company, aimed at ensuring the equitable distribution of mineral wealth. This extends to regulatory measures for environmental rehabilitation, support for artisanal miners, and the transformation of mining towns into sustainable communities. Additionally, the party advocates for the nationalization of key sectors like banking, proposes the abolition of land compensation, and seeks to bolster state capacity by eliminating public sector tenders.

Infrastructure development is another major theme, with the manifesto calling for massive investments in roads, railways, water systems, energy, and digital infrastructure. The EFF plans to set up state-owned enterprises in these sectors to drive job creation and widespread economic empowerment. In response to the country’s energy crisis, the manifesto also promises the establishment of reliable state-owned power generation capabilities, aiming to solve the persistent problem of load shedding.

Social housing and universal access to water and sanitation are also emphasized. The EFF envisions providing integrated housing communities with essential services and developing sustainable human settlements. They pledge to streamline housing processes, employ smart technologies, and enforce inclusive zoning practices. Water infrastructure enhancements are prioritized to ensure every citizen has access to clean running water and sanitation, with a focus on environmentally friendly solutions.

Lastly, the manifesto addresses public safety, emergency services, disaster management, and national defense enhancements. This includes improving police training, equipment, and accountability; bolstering emergency and disaster management services with better resources and response times; and upgrading the military budget and capabilities to address modern security threats while avoiding political interference. These initiatives highlight the EFF’s commitment to addressing both structural inequalities and immediate public service needs in South Africa.

FF+

In its 2024 manifesto, the FF Plus outlines a comprehensive plan for a “new dispensation” in South Africa, focused on dismantling the current state of affairs characterized by corruption, mismanagement, and racial discrimination policies such as Affirmative Action (AA) and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). The party advocates for a shift towards a system that promotes integrity, meritocracy, and equal opportunities for all South Africans, irrespective of race. Their approach includes restoring the economy, enhancing security, overhauling public service, and prioritizing quality education.

The FF Plus strongly criticizes the ANC’s governance, attributing the nation’s economic and social decline to failed policies and corruption, further aggravated by inappropriate affirmative policies which they argue sideline merit and expertise in favor of political loyalty and racial quotas. The manifesto proposes substantial economic reforms including the abolition of AA and BEE, privatization of state-owned enterprises, deregulation to foster business, and creating a favorable investment climate to stimulate job creation and economic growth.

On governance, the FF Plus aims to reduce the size of government, encouraging decentralization and advocating for the localization of service delivery to better align with community needs and enhance efficient management. Their governance model emphasizes minimal government interference, with increased community and private sector engagement in public services. This includes a major overhaul in sectors like healthcare, where they propose cooperation between the private and public sectors rather than pursuing the National Health Insurance scheme.

Lastly, the FF Plus addresses the need for improved safety and judicial effectiveness, restoration of infrastructure, and promotion of sustainable development and environmental management. They prioritize community-based responses to education and healthcare, aiming to protect individual community rights, including promoting mother-tongue education and local control over schools and hospitals. This manifesto reflects a vision of a South Africa that honors diversity as a strength while striving for unity through shared values and equitable resource distribution.

GOOD

GOOD’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive vision for South Africa, aimed at addressing the historical and ongoing challenges facing the nation through a focus on social, economic, spatial, and environmental justice. At the heart of their policy is the drive for clean, ethical governance and the eradication of corruption, which are seen as crucial for implementing their wide-ranging reforms.

On social justice, GOOD proposes a R999 Basic Income Grant for all to provide immediate relief from poverty and to support the unemployed, alongside reforms in social security such as increasing existing grants and restructuring the old age grant into a more traditional pension scheme. Education is another pillar, with plans for significant investment in early childhood development and a revamping of public school infrastructure and quality. GOOD also plans to tackle gender-based violence and improve safety and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Economic justice forms a major part of GOOD’s agenda, where they aim to foster inclusive economic growth and job creation, and address income inequality. Their strategy includes massive investment in infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises. There’s also a specific focus on ensuring fair wages and eradicating the gender pay gap.

Spatial justice is prioritized to counteract the apartheid-era exclusion, with policies aimed at equitable land reform and the development of well-located housing to reduce urban sprawl and inequality in living conditions. Improvements and investments in public transport are also outlined to better connect people to economic opportunities.

Environmental justice in GOOD’s platform recognizes the urgent need to combat climate change and advocates for a swift transition to renewable energy sources to stop load-shedding. This includes a planned phase-out of coal power in favor of sustainable, green energy solutions, which are not only environmentally friendly but also economically advantageous in the long run.

Overall, GOOD’s manifesto presents a bold, multi-faceted plan to overhaul South Africa’s social, economic, and environmental landscape, fundamentally rooted in justice and equity. The party emphasizes the potential of these reforms to create a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all South Africans.

IFP

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has unveiled its manifesto for the 2024 national and provincial elections in South Africa, portraying itself as a formidable opposition party with a rich history of promoting democracy, freedom, and integrity. Founded by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the party emphasizes its pivotal roles during the struggle against apartheid and in the drafting of the democratic Constitution, including the creation of provinces and the Bill of Rights. Underlining the decline in governance and economic performance under the current majority party, the IFP presents itself as a viable solution for restoring integrity and practical governance.

The IFP’s manifesto, narrated by its President Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, promises a shift towards integrity-driven governance, focusing on robust economic restructuring to decrease government spending, enhance public-private partnerships, and eradicate corruption. The party prioritizes local empowerment, aiming to protect South African jobs, improve healthcare, augment social grants, and support traditional leaders and the Ingonyama Trust. Moreover, the manifesto also pledges to enhance national security by addressing the illegal immigration crisis and proposing stringent measures for border control.

The manifesto includes a 13-point plan highlighting specific reforms across various sectors. In the economy, the IFP plans to eradicate load shedding through diversifying energy resources and has proposed strict employment and procurement percentages to favor South Africans. It emphasizes substantial reform in education and healthcare by increasing accessibility and uplifting service standards. The party also seeks to resolve the country’s housing crisis by providing more accessible home-ownership schemes and developing low-cost housing.

In conclusion, the IFP positions itself as a champion of economic development, social justice, and good governance. Through its extensive manifesto, the party aims to rectify past governance failures and promote a future oriented towards self-reliance, community empowerment, and broad-based economic participation. With appeals to traditional values and nationalism, the IFP expresses a strong commitment to reshaping South Africa’s political and social landscapes by directly addressing current systemic issues.

MK5

Summary of the Manifesto of the MK Party - “The Peoples Mandate”

Preamble and Objectives: The MK Party’s manifesto begins with a critical reflection on the post-1994 trajectory of South Africa, highlighting what it sees as a reversal of the gains of liberation. Key concerns include moral decay, undue influence by unelected bodies and wealthy individuals, and the aftermath of colonialism expressed through persistent inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The manifesto lays out an ambitious plan to override the existing constitutional order to prioritize parliamentary supremacy, expropriate land without compensation, nationalize key industries including the South African Reserve Bank, mines, and major financial institutions, and implement extensive social and educational reforms.

Cultural Reclamation and Social Justice: The manifesto emphasizes a return to African cultural roots, proposing the integration of indigenous languages and African values across all levels of education and state functions. It criticizes the current dominance of Western cultural and economic models and calls for a robust promotion of African traditions in arts and education. The party seeks to address social issues such as high crime rates and teenage pregnancy, which it attributes to cultural dislocation and the prevailing capitalist ethos that undermines communal values.

Economic Transformation and State Control: A significant portion of the manifesto is dedicated to economic reforms, with a stark rejection of neoliberal policies. The MK Party plans to reclaim land and mineral resources, promoting state ownership to ensure broader public benefits and correcting historical injustices. These steps include aggressive land redistribution, nationalization of key industries, and reinstating state control over various sectors that have been privatized. Financial policies are proposed to support significant state-led economic initiatives and transformation towards a manufacturing-based economy, reducing dependence on foreign capital and speculative investments.

Governance, Sovereignty, and International Relations: The manifesto proposes sweeping changes to the governance structure, including altering the constitution to enhance the role of traditional leadership and reduce provincial divisions. It also seeks to reshape South Africa’s international relations by prioritizing alliances with BRICS nations, reducing Western influence, and reclaiming economic and political sovereignty. This involves revisiting international agreements and promoting regional integration and development within the SADC region.

In summary, the MK Party’s manifesto calls for a radical overhaul of South Africa’s political, economic, and social systems to address deep-rooted inequalities and reassert national sovereignty and African cultural identity. This vision for South Africa is rooted in a strong state interventionist approach, cultural nationalism, and a significant reorientation of foreign policy and economic management.

RISE

The People’s Manifesto by RISE Mzansi outlines a comprehensive plan to reshape South Africa’s political landscape, emphasizing leadership, governance, and accountability as its cornerstone. They criticize the ANC’s current governance for lacking ideas and ethical leadership, hampering basic government operations such as the running of hospitals and state companies. The manifesto highlights a series of policy priorities including rigorous leadership reforms, judicial restructuring, anti-corruption measures, and a new, meritocratic public service regime. At its core, the manifesto promises to replace incompetent leaders with qualified, ethical officials and to overhaul the system of cadre deployment to root out corruption and inefficiency.

RISE Mzansi also pledges a drastic overhaul of the socio-economic framework, focusing heavily on justice and inclusiveness. Key interventions involve reforming the criminal justice system, enhancing public safety, reconstructing the economic landscape to foster job creation, improving public service delivery, and promoting gender and disability inclusivity. Special courts for corruption and crime, as well as digital enhancements in public service, are proposed to increase efficiency and transparency.

The economic strategy detailed in the manifesto seeks to rejuvenate growth by addressing constraints like the mismanagement of state-owned enterprises, deregulating the economy to foster business, investing in infrastructure, and supporting emerging sectors such as green industries and technology. The plan includes measures from enhancing smallholder farming to major interventions in energy and manufacturing sectors aimed at diversifying and strengthening the economy.

Finally, the manifesto addresses social issues with detailed plans for enhancing individual and community well-being. It promises improved healthcare, education reforms, community infrastructure development, and substantial investments in food security, water provision, and housing. The aim is to build a more equitable society that supports the well-being of all South Africans, a vision which the manifesto argues can be achieved through comprehensive public policy reform and a government that genuinely serves the public interest.

UDM

The United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) manifesto for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections in South Africa presents a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the array of challenges currently facing the nation, particularly emphasizing the battle against corruption, which they argue undermines freedom and democracy. The party presents a bleak picture of the current state of governance, with significant critique directed towards the incumbent government’s handling of public resources, which they claim is marred by corruption and inefficiency.

The UDM’s proposals focus heavily on restructuring the economic landscape. This includes measures for sustainable job creation, enterprise development, especially for SMEs, and significant infrastructure improvements to alleviate issues like loadshedding. The document underscores an urgent need for fiscal discipline to manage public debt and budget deficits, alongside enhancing business confidence through stable and clear policies.

On governance, the UDM proposes strict anti-corruption measures, the professionalization of the civil service, and enhanced judicial processes to swiftly and effectively handle corruption cases. This aligns with their broader goal of restoring public trust and ensuring a government that acts in the true interests of its people, rather than serving the political elite.

Social issues are also a pivotal part of the manifesto, with targeted policies to improve education and healthcare systems, protect the environment, and bolster safety and security. The manifesto emphasizes inclusivity and support for marginalized groups, including women, the youth, and people with disabilities, proposing specific programs aimed at improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for these groups.

Overall, the UDM presents their manifesto as a call to action for South Africans to rally for change and choose a government that aligns with the principles of integrity, accountability, and effective governance in the forthcoming elections. They position themselves as advocates for a drastic overhaul of the current system, focusing on good governance and economic renewal as the pillars of their campaign.

Hits

Footnotes

  1. DALL-E prompt: “a proudly south african AI political scientist” ↩

  2. Looking at you, EFF and COPE. ↩

  3. It’s strange how difficult some parties make it to find their manifestos. You’d think you want those as easily available as possible. ↩

  4. That does introduce a second opportunity for hallucination, but I’m not going to worry about that too much. ↩

  5. For whatever reason, GPT4 decided that MK’s summary needed nice formatting. ↩