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The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
DA reveals plan to ‘turbocharge' SA economy with Eskom shake-up and scrapping BBBEE
More action, less talk said DA leader John Steenhuisen as the party launched its six-point plan to fix SA's economic woes DA leader John Steenhuisen on Monday launched a plan that he said would 'turbocharge' South Africa's economy. The party presented the six-point plan at its Bruma headquarters in the East Rand. Steenhuisen noted the biggest stumbling blocks to economic progress. He called for the removal of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) as it is legislated at present, along with employment equity legislation and the Expropriation Act. He said these measures have failed to deliver transformation, and have instead deterred investment, stifled small business growth and entrenched political patronage. 'BBBEE has done nothing for ordinary South Africans,' he said. 'The only empowerment South Africa needs is more jobs.' Steenhuisen: No talk shops, just action At the same time, Steenhuisen again dismissed government's proposed national dialogue on the economy as a waste of money and time, saying South Africans already know what needs to be done. 'South Africa doesn't need more talk. It needs action,' Steenhuisen said. The DA's plan proposes replacing existing empowerment and equity laws with policies that create opportunity based on need and merit, removing red tape for small businesses and reforming labour laws to make it easier to employ citizens and expand. ALSO READ: ANC moves to undercut DA influence in GNU The party also wants Eskom's monopoly broken, with the electricity sector opened to competition in both generation and distribution, and municipal electricity revenue ring-fenced for investment in infrastructure. The DA also called for the urgent modernisation of rail, ports and digital networks, including concessioning freight rail and port terminals to private operators and ending Transnet's control. Steenhuisen said South Africa's poor port rankings were holding back exports and economic growth. Public spending reform, particularly around flaccid state-owned companies is another priority. 'Bailouts to state-owned entities have cost R310 billion. Enough is enough. Government needs to stabilise debt, cut waste and root out ghost employees. Public money must build infrastructure and provide frontline services, not bankroll incompetence.' Investment in infrastructure The plan also touches on local government failures, and stabilising coalition administrations, set minimum representation thresholds for councils, and protect service revenue so it is reinvested in infrastructure. The DA also wants to see greater private sector involvement in municipalities that are unable to deliver basic services. Public private partnerships offer solutions where government coffers have run dry, noted Steenhuisen. Restoring the rule of law, Steenhuisen said the DA's plan includes establishing a new anti-corruption body, 'a Scorpions 2.0'. He also wanted to see lifestyle audits on senior police officials, strengthening rural safety measures and improving police capacity to combat crime across the country. ALSO READ: No interviews, but appointed: DA raises alarm over ANCYL members on Gauteng hospital boards Steenhuisen said these reforms would 'build a superhighway to growth and prosperity' and create an economy where participation is not determined by race or political connections. The DA intends to table the plan in Cabinet and parliament. 'This must become more than a promise. It must become a fight,' he said. 'A fight for growth, a fight for jobs. 'If you want clean water in your taps, electricity you can rely on and jobs for your children, this is your plan.' READ NEXT: Is GNU to blame for Powell's resignation as DA's international relations spokesperson?
The South African
08-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Huge upgrades planned for one of Western Cape's busiest airports
The Garden Route is preparing for a big tourism boom, with air travel capacity at one of its airports set to more than double by 2029. According to George Herald , Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) will kick off a R310 million expansion and refurbishment project to modernise George Airport. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 and will take around three years to complete. The airport, which currently handles up to 900 000 passengers annually, will be able to accommodate two million passengers per year once the upgrade is complete. Acsa spokesperson, Thea Govindsamy, outlined several key improvements for the airport, including: Major upgrades to the terminal and check-in area, Better baggage handling systems, Upgraded security processing. Enhancements for the departure lounge, boarding gates, as well as arrivals baggage claim hall. Public concourses, retail areas, and commercial lounges at the airport will also be redesigned, while terminal frontage and landside parking will be reconfigured for better traffic flow and accessibility. Govindsamy confirmed, as per George Herald , that planning is already on track, with funding secured, consultant appointments underway, and the approval process for stage 1 reporting and concept design in progress. George Airport currently serves as a regional hub for several domestic airlines, including FlySafair, Airlink, and CemAir, offering direct connections to major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
