The African Christian Democratic Party, in response to comments made by President Thabo Mbeki, reiterated on Wednesday that it promotes shared economic growth, not free-market fundamentalism.
”The ACDP’s emphasis on shared economic growth contradicts Thabo Mbeki’s criticism that the ACDP is a free-market fundamentalist party.
”We believe that the state is unable to create wealth on its own and that government and the people must work together to ensure prosperity for all,” said ACDP MP Zwelethu Madasa in a statement.
Madasa said the ACDP is concerned that limited economic growth since 1994 has not led to jobs and prosperity for all South Africans.
”Caring for the poor is a priority for the ACDP, as we believe that it would be economically senseless, politically suicidal and a neglect of the Christian mandate not to be concerned about developmental issues,” Madasa said.
He also expressed concern about the global economy’s trend towards fewer jobs and increased poverty in those countries with a poor education and skills base.
He said only those countries with strong knowledge-based economies benefit from globalisation.
The ACDP encourages increased resources for education and skills development as well as community improvements.
Madasa said: ”In the long term, only the ability of our economy to attract foreign direct investment in great measure will ensure sustained economic growth and increased wealth rather than merely the distribution of existing wealth.”
He said a government should support small businesses, encourage skills development and invest in infrastructure.
”We believe that the state has a role to play in order to alleviate poverty and that the government must foster a culture of entrepreneurship by underwriting private capital to small businesses or alternatively providing direct micro-loans as a retailer to promote small business and emerging farmers.”
The party supports affirmative action, Madasa said, but it should be phased out after a period of 10 to 15 years.
”The ACDP supports the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals to have every child educated, reduce infant mortality and maternal mortality and halve poverty by 2015,” he said. — Sapa