In a bid to secure reelection, the African National Congress (ANC) has unveiled plans to tackle the escalating cost of living in South Africa, with a focus on addressing concerns surrounding food security and price fixing.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the party’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of rising living costs during the manifesto launch in Durban on Saturday. Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the increasing expenses related to food, housing, and healthcare, acknowledging the strain it places on households, particularly those with limited financial means.
As part of the ANC’s proposed five-year plan for governance, priority will be given to ensuring food security and alleviating financial pressures on low-income households. Ramaphosa highlighted the party’s intention to implement measures such as tax exemptions on essential food items to ease the burden on consumers. Additionally, stringent monitoring of price fixing practices will be enforced to prevent exploitation of vulnerable communities.
“We will maintain vigilant oversight over entities engaged in price fixing, aiming to thwart any attempts to exploit the economically disadvantaged by artificially inflating prices through collusion,” stated Ramaphosa.
The ANC’s pledge to address the rising cost of living comes amidst growing concerns among South African citizens regarding their ability to afford basic necessities. By prioritizing food security and implementing measures to curb price manipulation, the ANC aims to demonstrate its commitment to improving the economic well-being of all citizens, especially those most vulnerable to financial hardship.