DA’s plan to eradicate poverty

Cindy Witten
28 October 2008

“The DA’s policy on social development aims to break the cycle of poverty by extending opportunities to all South Africans,” said the Democratic alliance’s Frits de Klerk when asked about the party intends on eradicating poverty.

Since 1999, spending on social development has increased by 280%, with more than 10 million South Africans being added to the welfare register. Even though government has allocated billions of Rands to help solve this problem, according to de Klerk, the current model of poverty eradication fosters dependency on government.

The DA’s approach enables those stricken by poverty opportunities at every stage of their lives. The policy ensures that children born into poverty are able to acquire the necessary sustenance, education and health care, while young adults are provided with support needed develop their talents. And it affords the elderly access to a support system once they are no longer unable to take care of themselves.

“They are animated by the DA’s vision of an open opportunity society,” he said.