[imagesource: Danie van der Lith]

The more pessimistic out there might say the words ‘planned’ and ‘ANC’ should never appear in the same sentence, but each January, the party does cast an eye forward.

Following the recent 108th birthday celebrations, where President Ramaphosa could be seen breaking it down with the rest of the ANC Big Six, the ANC’s national executive committee published its ‘January 8th’ statement.

Suckers for punishment can read that statement in its entirety, but we know you better than that.

For an overview of what has been promised (hollow though it might be), here’s BusinessTech, starting with the always contentious issue of land expropriation without compensation:

The ANC said that it is proceeding with the implementation of an ‘accelerated land reform programme’ – including expropriation without compensation.

“The return of the land will happen and it will be done in a manner that promotes economic growth and sustains food security,” it said.

We could learn a few lessons from the current mess in Zimbabwe, and Uganda’s infamous bungling of the process in the 1970s, but will we?

For those who want to scream into the void, there’s a website where you can comment on the proposed Land Expropriation Bill.

As for the NHI Bill, opinion once again remains divided, but the ANC is set to soldier on:

The ANC said that it will continue to push for the establishment of the National Health Insurance, which it says will fundamentally transform health care in South Africa.

“By establishing a single national health insurance fund to ensure all South Africans receive the necessary treatment and care regardless of ability to pay, the NHI will reduce the huge inequalities and inefficiencies in our health system,” it said.

The implementation of the bill may be some way down the road, but the fear that this could cripple the country, in more ways than one, is already very real.

Now for the pot talking to the kettle, also known as the ANC’s stance on corruption:

The ANC said it will become more vigilant in screening its candidates and ensure that these members meet the highest standards of ethics, morality and service to the people.

“Once elected, the movement must ensure that ANC public representatives serve the people with distinction. Where this does not happen, there must be consequences – and there will be consequences,” it said.

A look at the ANC’s spending with regards funerals for party stalwarts may also be in order.

This tweet speaks for itself:

You could get Googling, but you know what you’re going to find.

The January 8 statement also touched on the party’s plans for schools, the SA Reserve Bank, water shortages, and other areas of concern. Read more about those here.

Maybe this is the year the ANC will be held accountable for failing to deliver on these plans. Then again, why start now?

[source:bustech]