Speaking at a media briefing in Rosebank, Maimane revealed insights into the party’s plans for Gauteng.
Should the DA win the election, a provincial referendum against e-tolls, better use of public funds by reducing the number of government departments, as well as job creation, are on the cards as the basis of its governance plans for the province.
According to Maimane, the manifesto focuses on bridging the study-work divide for young people through a graduate recruitment programme and a government internship programme.
Maimane also intends to assist small businesses to win government contracts by breaking down large tenders into smaller opportunities and expanding community supplier databases.
He also plans to remove corrupt officials from the system by enforcing the Public Finance Management Act, and opening up tender committee meetings to the public to increase transparency in state spending.
“Election 2014 is an historic opportunity for change in democratic South Africa, the likes of which we have not seen since 1994,” Maimane said.
Maimane launched a scathing attack on President Jacob Zuma, saying that he was the reason for the ANC’s loss of support in Gauteng.
According to Maimane, the DA’s polling shows that ANC rule can be brought under 50 percent in Gauteng.
“President Zuma’s favourability in Gauteng amongst people who previously supported the ANC stands at a mere 18 percent — half of what it is in the rest of the country. The reason, according to our research, is that Gauteng residents believe that Jacob Zuma has changed the ANC,” he added.
Maimane said that under Zuma “things are getting worse”, adding that since 2009, when Zuma became President, 1.4 million people had become unemployed.
“Jobs promises have amounted to nothing and corruption on a grand scale is there for all to see through projects like the Nkandla upgrades,” he added.
“I have a plan to bring change and hope to this province. It includes a plan to create an environment for job creation and growth, and a plan to crack down on corruption that continues to deny opportunities to our people,” Maimane said.
The official release of the DA’s provincial election manifesto will be held in March.
