CDA BROAD POLICY STATEMENT

Biblical principles are the foundation on which the CDA has been established and therefore form the basis of all party policy.

The CDA believes that the government exists for two very specific purposes:
•to regulate society as a ruler of men in the attitude of a servant to God;
•to do this to the benefit of all who submit under it.

The following three foundational principles run as a common thread throughout all policy and cannot be separated from it:
•All authority and law originates from God, therefore obedience brings blessing to a nation and disobedience brings cursing;
•The family is the basic building block, which God has instituted to build strong righteous nations;
•Decentralization of power prevents the rise of dictatorships in government as well as in political Party leadership.

The CDA believes in the separation between religious institutions and the State. The purpose of the State is not to promote any specific organization or group.

Nevertheless it is understood that God and the State must not be separated. It is not only the right of godly men and women to be involved in State structures and to be employed by the State, but it is their duty to do so, where God has ordained it.

2.0 - FOUNDING PRINCIPLES                                                                                                                     To Top 

Government is an instrument ordained by God to do the following:
•To ensure that justice is done;
•To Regulate society in the attitude of a servant to the benefit of all who submit to it.

Biblical principles provide the proper foundations for civil government's role to ensure personal freedom, family values, justice, peace, security, national unity and reconciliation.

A vibrant open market economy creates opportunities for all to prosper.
This means following God's economic laws of hard work , honest personal and business
dealings, sound economic principles and charity.

3.0 - FAMILY VALUES                                                                                                                             To Top

The CDA promotes, upholds and defends Biblical family values.

3.1 - The Family Institution

•The family is an institution worthy of nurturing and protecting.
•It is the ideal setting for teaching a child about Godly authority, obedience and love which are the foundations for a strong Nation.
•Where these elements are missing, delinquency, crime and violence usually occur.
•Apartheid institutionalized the separation of families with the most devastating results. It caused fatherless children, broken lives, abject poverty and indiscriminate crime to become the norm.
•The CDA strongly believes that ANYTHING, which is a threat to the family, is a threat to society.
•Steps must be taken in maintaining the family unit as the strongest building block of society.

3.2 - The CDA Commitment

We, the CDA, acknowledge God as the Sovereign Creator of the universe, who has entrusted unto humanity the right and responsibility to rule over the affairs of the world.
The CDA commits itself to this nation to uphold a leadership of integrity and Godly character, and to administer its task with a prudent spirit.
We adhere to a moral philosophy that is based upon the Word of God, and measure the interpretation of our policies against the prerequisites of biblical standards.

4.0 - FEDERAL POLICY MODEL                                                                                                                   To Top

4.1 - Principles of a Godly Government

Constitutional State Based on Biblical Principles

The CDA will institute a recognized body of law, which will conform to Biblical principles of government, that will also determine the relationship of the different tiers of government to one another, as well as that of the citizen to the State. All will be bound by the Constitution of the country.

4.2 - Federalism

The CDA stands for the principle of federalism based on grounds that it promotes the following principles:
•It is the only system capable of being closely associated with the country's citizens and which can adequately address the diverse needs at local level.
•It promotes a better degree of governmental & administrative efficiency, and responsibility.
•It is a system that recognizes open democracy, power sharing, and diversity and builds co-operative partnerships.

4.2.1 - Parliament

The CDA believes in the creation of a central government authority and the creation of a genuine Federal System of government.
We affirm our commitment to the creation of a three tier government, namely central
government, provincial and local government.
We subscribe to a constitutional state, by which parliament can exercise it’s power only
within the parameters determined by the constitution.

4.2.2 - Provincial Government

We believe in strong autonomous Provincial Government, with credible functions and powers.
Provincial Government should be financially competent with certain autonomous powers.
Central government has a responsibility to contribute to its funding.
Provincial government should promote a system of proportional representation.
The percentage of proportional representation should be determined at a level that will not weaken effective governance and decision-making processes.

4.2.3 - Local Government

The CDA proposes that whatever can be delivered at a Local Government level should be a local government competence (the principle of subsidiarity).

Local government should be financially self-sufficient and have autonomous powers. However, it should receive an equitable share of National taxes to facilitate actual delivery of services such as: Welfare; Education; Policing; Clinics and non-teaching hospitals; Sport
& recreation.

Political representation; allocation of resources and boundary demarcations should be based on strict rules of equality and justice.

Local government should also create structures for greater community involvement.
A local government and community interdependent infrastructure must be established.

4.2.4 - Community Driven Governance

We believe in community participation in respect of decision-making that affects community affairs. The Community driven model will allow communities to make their own policy decisions in certain areas, so as to encourage greater community involvement and speedier
delivery of certain basic services. Community driven governance aims to operate functions in a financially self-sufficient and self-promoting system.

The CDA believes that effective government is determined by the extent decentralization is realized, which in turn affects political accountability and measures a population’s response or involvement to socio-economic demands.

4.2.4.1 - Privatization of social delivery services

Privatization of certain social services at local or community level must, where it is practicable, allow for tendering opportunities by applicants located within these respective local areas.

5.0 - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT                                                                                                                                                     To Top

Government must practice sound fiscal management. It should not overspend, contribute to inflation, engage in chronic deficit budgeting, or engage in unjust expropriation or impairment of property rights.
If there is a large difference between tax paid and services or benefits rendered, dissatisfaction is the result and government loses its credibility.

5.1 - Financial decentralization

The CDA believes in the principle that a fair distribution of tax between the three tiers of government is a better system for economic and developmental progress, for a decentralized infrastructure.

Each community or region will commit itself to building up its infrastructure through a finance system supported by the regions and as a result service delivery will be much quicker and more cost effective.

The CDA believes that bureaucracy; tax and government interference should be minimal.
What will be required is that finance and fiscal policy be based on simplicity, stability, equity and efficiency, through a process of community or regional consultation.

6.0 - THE JUSTICE SYSTEM                                                                                                                       To Top

6.1 Protection

One of the key functions of civil government is to protect society. This is a function that the present government has not fulfilled. Levels of crime are at their highest. This has given rise to a state of virtual anarchy with human life losing value daily, as men, women and children are killed daily.

The State, bearing the traditional sword of justice, must protect all of its citizens demonstrating that crime does not pay. Basic human rights such as the right not to be tortured to obtain information, the right to a fair and speedy trial; to be properly informed of all charges; to be prepared for trial and to be legally represented should be afforded to all citizens.

Criminal elements however, should fear the wrath of society as demonstrated by the state, as this is the most effective way to combat crime. In this regard the abolition of the death penalty can only be lamented as short-sighted and incomprehensible. The death penalty is a deterrent and our present government has no other viable alternative. The CDA strongly supports the introduction of capital punishment for certain violent crimes.
We believe that crime will only be effectively controlled to the point of eradication once criminals face severe sanctions for violent and criminal behaviour.

6.2 - Accessibility

Although our legal system is based on principles of good common sense, our courts remain largely inaccessible, due to their relative sophistication.
The CDA is in agreement with, and will promote recent strides toward making the legal system more understandable and therefore more accessible to ordinary people. Equality before the law is a prerequisite for a just society, however in practice people are still discriminated against due to a personal lack of education and sophistication. The CDA is committed to addressing this by re-examining structures that are limiting accessibility to justice and recourse to the law by the majority of South African citizens.

6.2.1 - Some of the areas that will be considered are the following:

•More creative ways must be found to ensure that justice and recourse to the law becomes more accessible for the majority of South African citizens.
•Graduates must be able to satisfy the requirements for becoming attorneys through other relevant experience, as an alternative to articles.
•Other positions requiring legal qualifications, especially that of public prosecutor, must be elevated to worthwhile career options with regard to conditions of service, working conditions, salaries and career opportunities.
•Judges are currently chosen from the ranks of senior advocates, and magistrates are chosen from the ranks of senior public prosecutors. The CDA believes that judges should also be appointed from the ranks of experienced magistrates.
•There should be effective Management plans to simplify court calendars and procedures
•There should be a Diversification of languages in printed material
•The state should provide Education programs in justice starting at Primary school level.

The CDA is in agreement with the independent nature of the judiciary and does not advocate a jury system. However, in addition to the hierarchy of courts and the constitutional court, we believe a system of peer review should be established in the interest of justice, fairness and equity.

At its core, the justice system must be made accessible by having an adjudicating official presiding over everyday disputes.

6.3 - Administrative Justice

The CDA recognizes that the traumatic history of non-transparency has to be addressed in the process of transformation of South African society.
The rules of natural law, which form the cornerstone of administrative justice, originated from sound biblical teaching and we support its retention as it is foundational to an ethic that exposes unfair and dishonest practices.

6.4 - Detained, Arrested, and Accused Persons

The CDA believes it is wrong to give the impression that a criminal occupies a more favourable position, even constitutionally, than his victim. Individual responsibility for action needs to be stressed. Any system that removes a sense of personal accountability and guilt from the criminal is bound to fail. We oppose the situation where prisoners receive better food, medical treatment or other privileges, which are denied law-abiding citizens (especially those living in informal settlements).

Long term imprisonment escalates problems of overcrowding, prison violence, professional criminal training, the spread of AIDS and STD’s.

The CDA will seriously look at the feasibility of privatizing minimum-security prisons.

We disagree with the belief that all people should have all the rights that law-abiding citizens have. Criminals should not have the right to vote until they have paid their debt to society.
Sentencing must address PREVENTION, then RESTITUTION, then RETRIBUTION and finally REHABILITATION.

6.5 - The CDA will therefore:

•Reinstate the death penalty;
•Scrap parole for serious crimes;
•Deny bail for serious crimes;
•Compel prisoners to work in order to pay for their living expenses in prison;
•Compel convicted criminals to make restitution to their victims;
•Not permit special comforts to prisoners, which are being denied to law abiding citizens.

7.0 - SAFETY AND SECURITY                                                                                                                  To Top

7.1 - Growth of Criminality

The growth in criminality together with the influx of illegal arms is related to the State’s inability to impose its legitimate authority to protect the safety and security of its citizens. The CDA aims to reverse this inability and weakness.
We support a program to remove the circulation of illicit arms among civilians.
We will also promote a co ordinated cross border control system among the Southern African regions to stop illegal weapon smuggling.
We will keep our society safe and will institute strict firearm control legislation.

7.2 - Law Enforcement Considerations

•The CDA believes that the prime task of the police services should be to maintain internal law and order and prevent crime.
•We strongly support a policy of municipal and community policing, whereby a twofold relationship exists between the members of the police and the community that it serves and protects.
•The CDA believes that provincial and local powers should be enhanced to facilitate effective police services.
• We need to intensify and improve our intelligence and information gathering and processing strategies.
•A marked improvement in conviction rates must be guaranteed, and high priority should therefore be given to effective investigation methods that stand up in a court of law.
•We believe it will be necessary to intensify training and re training throughout the service, instilling a respect for authority and duty.
•Strict standards will be applied in recruiting top caliber personnel, thereby improving the image and standards of the service. An improvement in the conditions of service will also be necessary.
• Where the safety and security of a community are threatened by questionable police activity (such as corruption), drastic measures will be taken such as re¬deploying or dismissing the entire contingent of personnel.
•Policing is an essential service; therefore the right to strike must be waived. It is however essential, that respect for the profession and good labour relations practice are principles supported by the CDA.
•Strict codes of conduct and ethics will be mandatory requirements. Contravention of these or any obstruction of lawful behavior will meet with immediate imprisonment or dismissal.
•Investigations into organized crime, gangsterism, and high level fraud will be carried out using the expertise of successful operators world-wide.
•Multi-lateral co- operation on the combating of organized crime across border territories will be priority to protect our national security.
•Strict firearm control will be introduced. The smuggling of weapons and the possession of illegal weapons will meet with severe penalties and punishment.
•The CDA will impose severe punishment on anyone found smuggling drugs or directly responsible for causing the sale of drugs. Those caught selling drugs on behalf of merchants will get life long sentences, with parole after 25 years.
•Capital punishment will also be imposed on those convicted of premeditated murder.
• The safety and security of homeless and abused children is a priority for the CDA.
• The CDA supports the eliminating of child pornography and dealing with child prostitution rings;
• There should be Programs for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles at risk.

The CDA aims to ensure a safe and secure environment whereby all citizens can live in reasonable peace to engage in their social responsibilities.

8.0 - EDUCATION                                                                                                                                       To Top

Education must be pro-active in moral and redemptive teaching. It must teach respect for the dignity, as well as the fallibility of human nature and provide an understanding of the centrality of God. It must also teach principled stewardship in developing our natural resources.

The CDA firmly believes that education should be inspired by certain values as pronounced by God, which are applicable for the benefit of the individual and society.
It should also centre on the involvement of the family as the core unit in the educational framework.

The CDA’s policy on education will focus on the building of character and the promotion of sound individual, family and civil values.
A quality education should teach respect for the basic humanity of all persons. It centres on principled stewardship and equity in developing and utilizing the natural resources we are endowed with as a nation.

The CDA would strive for an education system that would aim to nurture the individual in the areas of character, charity, capacity and community. Such a system should aim to enable the leaner to achieve inquiring and interpretative abilities, critical assessment skills, knowledge and application skills and social values.

Our education system should be organized within a management framework to achieve an education for all, steered by an equity-driven education process. It should place the responsibility of the learner at the centre of all learning and knowledge.

8.2 - Equity - Driven Education

This process aims at addressing inequalities within the system, which have been inherited from the past.

A programme will be followed that will allow:

•retraining of under trained teachers;
•renewed discipline and commitment from teachers;
•greater accountability from both teachers and administrators;
•increased productivity and output from teachers and administrators;
•greater discipline and commitment from pupils;
•we will allocate more funding to schools that are severely under-resourced;
•the physical conditions of disadvantaged schools will be addressed;
•removal of all negative influences within schools such as : gangsterism; the carrying of weapons, including guns, knives, etc.; the abuse of addictive substances, including drugs, alcohol; criminal & disruptive activity.

Provincial autonomy over education, within a national framework of equity, will be vital for educational progress.

Equity driven education is a medium to long term objective initiated by National, Provincial and Local government, and other interested stakeholders.

Equity driven education does not aim to weaken already existing or traditional forms of educational infrastructures. It will in fact ensure that all educational interests will be protected, as well as provide for growth in educational capacity of all South Africans.

Lifelong education also falls within this framework. To redress the effect of lack of education and its impact on individuals, a vigorous adult education programme will be implemented.

An CDA government would ensure that education remains a vibrant field for intellectual development.

8.3 - Early Childhood Development

The CDA believes that early childhood development must comprise a holistic system that addresses the complete needs of a young individual. Such a system involves all sectors needed for the creative, intellectual, physical and spiritual development of a child.

The CDA’s focus on early childhood development would be centred on three primary factors which are necessary for a child’s sustainable and effective development, namely:

a)A Sustainable Nutritional Programme.
The importance of proper and sustainable nutrition for children at an early learning stage is one of our primary objectives in early childhood development.

b) A Multilateral Approach
The CDA believes that early childhood development is primarily linked to the first level of the social strata, which is the family. We are of the opinion that early childhood development should be tackled on at least three fronts for pre-school development:
State assisted funding; Business and NGO involvement, and Home schooling.

The CDA will therefore encourage parental involvement in all education and promote alternative education such as: Home schooling; and Private Education.

Parental involvement must also be encouraged and promoted in State schools as this allows for improved student academic achievement, attendance, student behavior and increased community support for schools, including human, financial and material resources. Parental involvement can take the form of co-operation, participation and partnership.

C)Constitutional Protection

The CDA believes that a child should enjoy constitutional protection. Children should have access to full constitutional privileges that protect them from any criminal acts of violence and abuse. In practice, these rights are often not accessible to the child.

The constitution must also aim to promote the security, safety and stable development of the child.

8.4 – Education subsidy

The CDA will investigate an acceptable education subsidy for all children. This system entails Government providing a subsidy, of an identical cost of education to each child. This will enable parents to choose where to send their children to school. If they wish their children to go to a school which charges above the subsidy rate, then they will have to pay the difference. This is a far better option than the no fee school system. The subsidy should be linked to the child and not the institution.

This enables parents to truly exercise a choice in their children’s education.

This system ensures that everyone will be able to access the best education available, with the widest choice of schooling possible.

8.5 - Higher Education

The CDA recognizes the establishment of a co-ordinated higher education system, based on equal access and non-discrimination. This function is to be co-ordinated by the Council of Higher Education who will enjoy decentralized mandates from their respective provinces.

We also recognize that pursuing excellence and promoting the full realization of the potential of every student and employee are great ideals in education.

Although we agree that the state has the responsibility to ensure that education is enjoyed by all, to vest that authority predominantly, if not exclusively under the control of the Council of Higher Education goes against the respect for Provincial competence.

We believe that education is a federal issue and the strong centralized control of higher education would lead to dissatisfaction.

8.6 - Further Education and Training

The CDA supports a policy on Further Education and Training.

We believe it will make a significant difference to the lives of those who have not been fortunate enough to complete their education.

9.0 - ARTS & CULTURE POLICY                                                                                                                  To Top

9.1 - A Multi-cultural Democratic Society

South Africa is blessed with many distinct cultures, each with distinct languages and traditions. Their relationship should ideally be conducted in a non-racist and non-discriminatory framework. For multi-culturalism to succeed all cultures must be free to pursue their inherently innate distinctives, while in a national sense work together in an interdependent manner for the benefit of all.

9.1. - Multi-culturalism and Legislative Protection

Multicultural democracy will flourish if all cultures are given equal opportunities to develop within the broad context of society. All individuals must be treated equal before the law.

9.2 - Promotion of Arts and Culture

The CDA believes that all cultures must contribute to the cultural richness and diversity of this nation.

All organizations and institutions involved in promoting activities in the arts, culture and sport must be given the freedom and space to pursue the development and expression of their skills and arts to the highest level.

There must, therefore, be no discrimination in any area of language, religion, race, creed or culture.

The CDA will promote family values, and any type of expression that is detrimental to a person’s health, dignity and social responsibility will be appropriately sanctioned.

The CDA will distinguish only one ministry to manage the arts, culture and sports administration.

We support the imposition of local content quotas on radio and TV in order to provide an outlet for our talented people.

10.0 - ECONOMIC POLICY                                                                                                                          To Top

Biblical principles are the foundation for the creation of wealth.

10.1 - The CDA shares the following economic objectives with all South Africans:

•a peaceful and crime-free society;
•a substantially lower income tax rate;
•marked improvement in the value of the Rand;
•greater employment and self-employment opportunities;
•sustained high growth rates for the South African economy;
•Improved quality of life for all, especially, the poor.

10.2 - The CDA is therefore committed to:

•reducing government debt and spending;
•job creation and economic growth through an open-market policy with as little government interference as possible;
•becoming competitive in a global economy and a global market;
•Lowering inflation;
•State enterprise operating in open competition with private providers;
•Doing away with complicated tax forms, laws and expensive monitoring mechanisms.

The CDA will place the elimination of inflation at the top of its list of economic priorities that are aimed at achieving a rapidly growing economy.

State enterprise will be required to operate in open competition with private providers. They will ensure their continued existence by providing a superior service to the public.

The present taxation system in the country is considered excessive by majority of the taxpayers and has resulted in hindering creativity and initiative by penalizing success.
There is no doubt that people will work harder, longer and produce better quality workmanship when a taxation system allows them to retain a far greater share of the fruits of their labour. The CDA will endeavour to reform the tax system to ensure a dramatic reduction in tax.

The CDA will strive for a significant reduction in the VAT rate which will benefit the poor.

A high percentage of State expenditure will be directed towards projects for the poor. The CDA will also strive to subsidize food for those living under the bread -line.

The question of "excessive government spending" is of great concern for the CDA.
The provision of adequate funding for socio economic programmes including housing, health cure, social pensions, roads, railways and communication is clearly the function of the central government, but the implementation of such programmes should be given to the Provincial and Local government.

11.0 - TRADE AND INDUSTRY POLICY                                                                                                       To Top

11.1 - Articulating Historical Factors as a Guide to International Trade Policy

We should stress to the World Trade Organization that we are still a developing nation which has had an uneven socio-political history, and as such any rules that South Africa should comply with tariff reduction must be commensurate with our past.

It is impossible for us to apply an accelerated tariff reduction across the board when this will damage the competitiveness of our industries.

11.2 - The Three-Pronged Approach

The CDA proposes the following three-pronged approach to this issue:

•An accelerated tariff reduction to be implemented on those sectors which will definitely benefit in both the short-term and long-term periods. Such tariff adjustment can also be applied to those sectors that are powerful enough to contain such pressures.

•A declining tariff protection phase, which implies a slower process in tariff reduction and should be applied especially to those sectors that will face major job losses; for example the clothing industry.

•Continued protection to such sectors that are major contributors to our GDP and employment creation programmes.
We therefore, should give more attention to our food supply sectors, especially insofar as to consolidate the whole Southern African region as a strong food supply industry.

The CDA is of the opinion that the relationship that ought to exist between the tariffs and Industrial policy is to be determined differentially according to the beneficial outcomes each sector will enjoy with regards to `tariff adjustments.

11.3 - International Considerations on Trade and Industry

South Africa is a developing country whose socio-economic policy must be based on a developmental approach. This country needs to develop its infrastructure capacities tomeet the needs of our people in areas such as health, education, welfare and employment.

South Africa is an emerging democracy and this must of necessity form the basis of its international trade policy. We have to share similar ideals and principles with other countries in order to achieve common goals of mutual interest.
South Africa is a constitutional state with a built-in human rights creed, and as such we should vigorously fight for human rights in other parts of the world.

11.4 - Towards an Equitable Balance between Economic Growth and Job Creation

It appears that although the economy might show marked signs of improvement, employment figures have not improved dramatically, while capitalization has advanced more steadily.

In fact to become more competitive globally, the manufacturing sector has invested more in larger plants and modern technology, with minimal job-creating potential. A reason for this is to be found in the present government’s labour policies. The present inflexible labour
policies are furthermore a definite, disincentive to foreign investment.

The CDA will revisit these labour policies so as to encourage greater employment opportunities and investment.

11.5. - Job Creation

We believe that a job creation strategy does not necessarily have to be a highly technical and complicated issue. It should remain within the simple economic framework of basic demand and supply.

Furthermore the aspects of wage negotiation and bargaining policies refer to those who already fall within the ambit of employment and access. These debates on economic disputes centre on the problems of those who are already employed, but they do not help
us with the unemployed. (We do not of course mean that we should discard the wage and bargaining processes as we believe that those who have jobs must be protected, while those who offer employment should be able to generate greater production and profit
levies, as well as to generate more jobs).

The CDA therefore believes that job creation simply is about finding and creating jobs for those who are unemployed.

11.6. - Suggestions towards the debate on job creation

11.6.1 - Create an employment development and skills finance institution

In most instances the commercial banks, contribute to the discouragement of employment opportunities because of their stringent requirements.

The informal sector and smaller business operation could use a skills finance institution as a savings and loans facility, instead of using the bigger banks for such transactions. Regulations of course will have to be drawn up as regards to qualifications and conditions,
but access to such an institution should be created to encourage development and employment strategies.

In fact limited or non-taxation principles can be applied to such groups, depending on their levels of growth and expansion. Government can filter funds into this finance institution that would ordinarily have been used by various Ministers creating their own employment
initiatives. Other institutions may wish to pour funds into this institution, if government can provide tax incentives for such investment practices.

11.7 - Small Business Enterprise

We believe that small business enterprises should be the cornerstone of the job creation market. These are fledging economic giants, and as such their vibrancy and creativity pushes them towards expanding their markets. Big business has already achieved their
saturation points and is therefore more liable to reduce staff. Whereas small business operates on the opposite trend that in order to expand, more markets should be entered, thus ensuring push in their production levels and therefore increased labour.

We believe that this sector in order to enjoy tax deductible benefits will be dependent on their ability to create jobs. However, to provide a balance of equity to those small businesses that are too specialized to create larger job creation opportunities, the small
business enterprise should overall benefit from a low taxation policy.

11.8 - Big Business and Labour

Our view on this matter is that both labour and big business must ensure that production levels as well as wage and employment levels remain competitive.However, the cost of labour particularly has resulted in South African businesses not being globally competitive. The issue of the present inflexible labour legislation needs to be revisited, as one seeks to obtain a balance between the interests of business and labour in South Africa. We simply need to find ways to equitably balance the scales of employment, production and growth.

11.9 - Government

The government has a role to play to ensure that delivery of social services and the economic growth environment is conducive to sustainable development.

It should also provide projects which involved labour intensive programmes. These initiatives can be conducted within rural areas, or developed on the peripheries of urban areas. The influx to urban areas increases the rate of unemployed persons, and as such we
need to reduce urban economic stress.

11.10 – Macro Economic Policy

It has become very clear that the Growth, Employment and Redistribution programme (GEAR) has not created the jobs as envisage by government. It has however created a very stable macro economic environment.

Economic and labour market policies must ensure that South Africa follows a more labour-absorbing growth path, which narrows the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

The CDA gives its support to the general objectives of GEAR, subjected to following conditions:
It is supported by lower job loses; increased labour-intensive programs; and sufficient government expenditure on basic needs services.

11.11 - Affirmative Action

Affirmative action has the potential, if approached incorrectly, of creating further institutionalized inequality.

It should be applied as a temporary measure to redress the wrongs of the past, and to ensure individual, family and nation building, and human resource development.

Affirmative Action should aim to make people self-sufficient, to contribute to the running of the country in all its sectors. We should not have it written into the constitution as a permanent right. This will only be counter-productive.

All individuals must be treated equally before the law. The need for just and fair treatment based upon a fair share in the national resources, in accordance with needs and responsibilities in society, must also be addressed. The CDA wishes to stress, however, that
an arbitrary system of ethical relativism and a positive legal approach to defining these needs would not be supported.

The CDA supports the approach of healing the hurts in a society caused by an unjust distribution of resources. Apartheid has left a legacy that has to be confronted in a way that would minimize conflict and the perpetuation of injustice.

11.12 - Summary:

Conflict will inevitably arise if a simple black empowerment drive is introduced that will benefit a few individuals without flowing down in the form of a benefit to the disadvantaged community as a whole.

Individuals must not be required to perform tasks impossible to them. The emphasis should be on an approach where the skilled can teach the unskilled.

On one hand, society has the responsibility to create the equitable framework that will provide individuals with equal opportunities to realize their potential. Individuals will, however, have to take the responsibility to ensure the outcome of the process of equal
opportunity.
Care will have to be taken to not focus on short-term goals with a program of redress, but to ensure long-term benefits in the process.
Affirmative Action should not be seen as a Band-Aid to heal the apartheid-legacy.

Article 9(2) of the constitution states that:
“Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievements of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.”

We are of the opinion that issues of equality and legitimate equal opportunities include the process whereby mechanisms of empowerment are instituted which are “proportional” to the requirement for a better quality of life, while concurrently the standards of another is therefore, proportionately not disadvantaged. In this context the people across cultures will lend each other a hand, and all will stand to benefit, instead of a scenario where a specific cultural dominance prevails.

11.13 - Labour Policy Objectives

We must strive for a labour policy that contributes to job creation, full employment and economic growth.

We are witnessing how the global economy is undergoing sweeping changes, as more emphasis is being placed on adopting new production methods which will minimize the effects of labour unions and worker privileges.

We will have to ensure that the rights of our workers are protected within this globalization trend. In fact more should be done to boost job creation through a controlled living wage, and distribution of jobs to more workers.

We need to concentrate on how to divert certain jobs into more profitable labour intensive programmes and therefore resist the temptation to retrench people.

Employment conditions must not be regulated by strict rules in the work place, but by strict ethical codes to determine what is reasonable and equitable to everyone for an acceptable standard of employment.

12.0 - TRANSPORT POLICY                                                                                                                       To Top

The economy of our country is critically dependent on an effective transport system. Within the scope of this statement it must be realized that development, regulation and support infrastructure are prime performance areas.

We will have to promote maintenance programs and embark upon continued development projects in order to move people, produce and products across a growing network of systems. The transport infrastructure will have to serve the internal interests of this country, as well as accommodate the requirements of our neighbouring countries. This will enhance trade in our geographical community.

12.1 - The Economic Value and Merit of a Sustainable Transport Infrastructure

•It is well known that a sub-economic transport infrastructure is one of the major contributing factors toward low individual economic empowerment.
•A transport policy is fundamentally linked to the socio economic needs of a population.
•An efficient infrastructure is an important contributing factor for economic growth and social stability.

12.2 - Provincial Competencies

•The maintenance and development of the transport infrastructure also falls within the competencies of provinces, therefore a greater increase in the level of private sector participation will have to be activated. National government cannot cover all capital cost required by provincial authorities.

12.3 - Privatization
•The CDA supports a privatization strategy that will uplift and empower our people. The plan will be underscored by a social contract policy, which would enable our people to partake in the full economic potential of these enterprises.

•When state owned assets are privatized, employment security must be adequately provided for.
•Privatization must be subject to socio economic and developmental needs of the country.
•The dignity of the individual must be protected in the working environment.
•The efficiency of service and rate of production output should be commensurate with good labour practice.

12.4 - Community Participation and Empowerment

•The CDA would like to create projects that involve communities in labour rich methods of construction where these methods produce the same quality as equipment based methods. The reason for this approach is that in certain instances, labour intensive techniques provide higher or equal remunerative opportunities than equipment intensive methods.
•We would employ these labour intensive methods wherever it is feasible.

12.5 - The Regulation of Public Transport Services

•The CDA supports the Taxi Recapitalization Programme. We need stricter vehicle road worthiness regulations, particularly for public transport vehicles;
•Every person involved in the public transport industry should undergo certain qualifying tests before being allowed to engage in the transport of passengers;
•We believe that the authorities should enforce strict penalties against illegal or fraudulent licenses and negligently, unroadworthy vehicles;
•Anyone who is found to be responsible for a fatal accident and is not in possession of a license, or is the holder of a fraudulent illegal licence, must be held liable for culpable homicide. The same should apply when the accident is found to have been caused by an unroadworthy vehicle.

12.6 - Transport Research Capacity

•South Africa has to keep up to date with the latest technology to develop, expand and upgrade all its transport network systems.
•Research has shown that the lack of an efficient transport infrastructure impacts both on the socio economic development of individual households and the growth patterns of the national economy.

13.0 - HEALTH POLICY                                                                                                                             To Top

South Africa has a proud history of achievement in the medical field, which the CDA will build upon. We will balance these highly specialized academic achievements with primary health care.

The focus of the CDA is to enhance the health of our nation through primary health care and education.
The key statement here is “Prevention is better than cure”.
Health is fundamentally and integrally linked to the economic well being of a nation.

A recent Medical Research Council (MRC) report on chronic lifestyle diseases revealed that about 40% of South Africans in the economically active age group of 24 36 years, die because of chronic diseases that result from unhealthy diets, stress and lack of exercise.
The cost of this loss to the country is astronomical; lifestyle diseases cost South Africa billions of Rand every year. A 1991 MRC study showed that strokes and heart disease alone cost South Africa up to R4, 8 billion per year.

13.1 - Health and Development

The CDA Health and Development Programme will take the lead in promoting, facilitating, co ordinating, initiating, monitoring and evaluating data that examines the relationship between health and development. This will be done in order to impact on policy and delivery. This will improve the social, economic, environmental and human development of South Africa.

The CDA aims to introduce:

•mobile clinics and traveling vaccination programmes;
•programs to promote correct nutrition and hygiene;
•education with regard to abstaining from intercourse outside of monogamous marriage relationships;
•Aids-prevention programmes and education for aids victims and their families.

13.2 - Key areas

We envisage formulating policy and program initiatives in the following key areas:

13.2.1 - Primary Health Care

Primary health care is a key principle in the re-organisation of South Africa's health services.

13.2.2 - Child and Adolescent Health

Our objective will be to make a dramatic improvement of the state of health of our young mothers, infants, adolescents and youth.

13.2.3 - Women's Health

The health of women is vital for economic development for a number of reasons:
•Women form a substantial proportion of the workforce. An improvement in their health will contribute to the development of a healthy workforce;
•Women are major caregivers in society and in this role they are able to assist in the care of vulnerable people, and thus create fewer burdens on state welfare.

13.3 - HIV's, STD's AND TB

The CDA will introduce programs that will focus on the prevention, management and impact of these diseases. We propose to use public health, clinical, experimental and socio-behavioural approaches in order to increase our knowledge of these diseases. We need to develop better methods to control them for the benefit of all South Africans.

HIV is increasing at 1500 new infections per day. Current government policy is not reducing this rate, nor adequately addressing the problem. More realistic methods of control and prevention must be introduced.

HIV is a health issue before it is a human rights issue and the CDA advocates notification and tracing measures, as in any other communicable disease. This will prevent the deliberate infection of others.

In rape cases, every effort at prevention should be available to the victim, such as the AZT, and TC3. This could reduce the infection rate by as much as 300 %.

More informative education and extensive prevention measures, such as showing pictures depicting the horrific course of the disease will be shown as part of school curricula, and in clinics, industry and where ever practically possible.

We would like to see less artistic, intellectual and philosophical posturing, and more hands on care giving and counseling when dealing with these diseases. We envisage "no nonsense" public awareness campaigns that train our people to completely avoid the causes of these diseases as well as how to cope with them in their families, neighbourhoods and communities. We feel that the spread of these diseases is caused by misinformation.

13.4 - Meeting Basic Nutritional Needs

The aim is to identify the extent and depth of nutritional problems, and then prioritize areas of attention, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimum nutrition for all. Imaginative programmes need to be found to bridge the gap whilst the government attends to economic upliftment.

13.5 - Abortion of Unborn Children

The CDA strongly opposes the public provision of abortion facilities.
We consider the current legislation to be a license for promiscuity with abortion being viewed as a ready birth control method.

It is the view of the CDA that our constitutional right to life should also protect the unborn child. (It has now been scientifically and medically proven that life begins at conception).

There is a notion that certain people require this method of ridding themselves of unwanted children in order to uplift themselves economically. The CDA sees this as a dehumanizing proposal, which is paradoxically very discriminatory, as it asserts that children from poor communities have less value than others.

13.6 - Substance Abuse

The CDA will tighten regulations with regard to alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Particular attention will be given to persons as well as laws that promote the use of alcohol amongst known alcoholics. Our policies with regard to dangerous drugs and narcotics are covered in the section of this document that deals with Safety and Security.

With regard to the debate on the banning of smoking in public, the CDA bases its support for the ban on the basis of the health aspect and especially its detrimental effects on young children and pregnant mothers.

At the same time we are conscious of the negative effects that the ban is likely to have on employment opportunities in the traditionally employment-rich tobacco industry. We however consider that persons will still be able to smoke in designated areas - which we
hope will be required to be fitted with the necessary filters to eliminate as far as possible the possibility of passive smoking.
We note the inconsistencies of the ban with regard to other forms of abuse such as alcohol and drugs.

When all the facts are considered, the health benefits, especially to later generations, will outweigh the negative aspects.

13.7 - Health Day

A national Health and Nutrition Day can be implemented whereby all South Africans can contribute to feeding the nation and provide some basic needs services.

The objective of the Party’s policy on health will be to focus on health promotion and disease control interventions.

13.8 - Health Savings Scheme

Our overall aim is to reduce taxation of companies so that they, together with their employees can contribute towards medical saving schemes.

•The idea of the health savings scheme is to encourage companies under the reduced taxation method to provide health insurance benefits to their workers.
•Instead of a full payment on health insurance, employees are required to contribute at least one third to this fund, while the company pays the balance.
•The company's contribution provides for general health care, while the employee's share is put away for health coverage in the case of unemployment or exhaustion of their health benefits.
•Through this scheme, the employee pays a lower premium per annum as the employer covers the rest. The employee thereby saves whilst being provided with full health insurance cover.

14.0 - WELFARE                                                                                                                                        To Top

The CDA believes that the existence of a welfare society results from the breakdown of the family, as the supporting block in society.
We also believe that civil Government has wrongly shouldered the responsibility of welfare. This is a function that religious organizations, NGO's and civil society should fulfil, in the form of assistance towards self-sufficiency and not handouts.

We are therefore committed to restoring the traditional nuclear family as the primary provider of discipline, charity, respect and values in our society. This restoration will then expand to the extended families and then the community.
As the Government we would also support cultural, community and religious structures in their support role, enabling them to promote self-sufficiency.
In addition we would explore the possibility of privatizing or delegating welfare services.

The CDA believes that the welfare policy of a country is linked to a responsible economic policy. The policy of a developing country must commit itself to the growth in social investment of that nation. The objective of our social policy is to engage the economic policy to reduce poverty and social risk factors.

A free market principle within a stable social environment will facilitate the building up of a healthy social environment.; i.e. The free market economy must provide for the protection of our environment, fair wages for labour provided in business and social ethic.

As a party we are also aware of the enormous implications of the escalating problems with regard to AIDS orphans and the enormous responsibility that they will bring to bear on the welfare services of the country.
When addressing the welfare needs of the country we would make this one of the priorities, as we believe that the children of this nation are our most valuable assets.

With regard to a welfare policy, the CDA will have the following three-point policy plan to tackle problems surrounding our national quality of life:

14.1 - Policy of War on Poverty

Economic growth is no longer perceived as the only key factor in the fight against poverty. Factors like political stability, ability, good health, secure environment etc. are equally important.

Strategies for reducing poverty, whether absolute and relative, must address themselves to all economic, social, cultural and political dimensions. Poverty reduction strategies should be conceived within the framework of sustainable development objectives.

14.1.1 - Sustainable development objectives:

•We need to develop a process to build micro-economic programmes into our societies so as to address the faltering value of family units. We intend to develop community facilitation infrastructures that will generate self-sufficient projects for the benefit of the local infrastructure.
•The macro-economic programmes will contribute to the general values and parameters determined within the sustainable developmental model to address the problems of society at a national scale.

14.2 - Policy on Family Rights Propagation

The CDA believes that the family is a creation ordinance, providing a setting for parents and children to live together as a basic unit in society.
The family home, as such, is therefore in a very real sense the root from which the whole family tree of human society draws its vital nourishment.
However, the home in recent times has lost its central place in society. It is no longer the master key to culture that it once was.

14.3 - Children's Commission

The CDA supports the establishment of a Commissioner for children in each province.
The Commissioner will assist Provincial Government in protecting and promoting the interests of children with regards to issues relating to:

•Schooling and education especially to promote a good quality educational infrastructure where the child is enjoying learning opportunities in a safe, secure and enabling environment.
•Welfare service especially to ensure that issues like maintenance, child abuse and other child care services are adequately monitored and controlled.
•Interdepartmental liaison, this ensures that responsibility for the care of children in crisis is not divided or stalled by confused interdepartmental responsibility.
•Register of pedophile offenders. This confidential register will be accessible to persons and institutions that are engaged in the care or development of children.
•The rehabilitation and restoration of juveniles at risk.

14.3.1 - Street and Marginalized Children

The Commissioner must assist in reducing the number of homeless children in our streets and ensure that they are settled into shelters of care and enablement.
The commissioner will co-ordinate all relevant stakeholders, as well as local government, to ensure that the needs of street children are appropriately addressed.

14.4.2 - Other areas of focus that the Commissioner is to address are:

•to promote nutritional health services for needy children at schools, and promote the protection and development of children's health institutions within society
•The commissioner will ensure that local government creates spaces for recreation and sport for child developmental needs.

14.5 - Parental Responsibility

Greater parental responsibilities from both spouses will be required to produce a reasonably well functioning family unit. For instance: Both parents may be held responsible where it is found that the parents, together with a schooling authority, have been negligent and have not ensured proper school attendance by the child.
Both parents may also be held liable for fines should a child, as a result of family neglect, be charged with certain criminal activities. These are some examples of parent's responsibilities.

14.5.1 - Child Rearing

In today’s society pressures are bought to bear on mothers to contribute to the livelihood of the family by working outside of their homes. The CDA will encourage and facilitate mothers so that they may regain their role in child rearing. In addition, family businesses and husband and wife partnerships in business will be encouraged.

14.6 - The Divorce Rate

The CDA believes that the growing divorce rate is detrimental to the family and should therefore be discouraged.
Divorce laws will be reformed to promote : Less convenience and accessibility; Premarital and marital counseling; Reconciliation through the use of specialist family counselors; Marriage and life skills classes at schools.

14.7 - The Disabled Person

The CDA will address the desperate situation faced by the majority of disabled people in South Africa. Problems of discrimination and disempowerment will be aggressively tackled.
We will aim to set up an Ad hoc Committee to promote and protect both the rights and interests of disabled persons.

Legislation will be framed to encourage the introduction of special facilities in the workplace as well as public places.

14.8 - The Aged

The CDA supports the relevant legislative provisions for our ageing population (such as The older Persons act) and every effort should be employed to provide greater protection for the rights and interests of the elderly. It will predominantly be the responsibility of the family to make provision to take care of its elderly. The state will intervene to ensure that all communities are capable of providing their own infrastructures to address the needs of the elderly.

The neglect or abuse of an elderly person should constitute a crime.

The CDA will aim to reduce health costs of the elderly where the need for this exists. We will also ensure, where applicable, that the elderly pensioner is given reduced rates on essential goods to balance pensioners’ budgets.

14.9 - Policy on Community Orientated Welfare

It is our responsibility to encourage a culture of entrepreneurialism in an interdependent self sufficient, co operative model, which takes into account the moral obligation of individuals to charitably assist in the development of the neighbourhood within which they live.

Part of the vision for a community orientated welfare infrastructure is to encourage small community organizations to develop commercially. They would be structured in small cell units to allow people to feel more closely connected together, thus building the community through good neighbourliness.

An approach to welfare services in this manner will give the community greater freedom and flexibility to deal with issues that directly affect them.
The role of the state in this regard will be to provide strategic services to facilitate this process so that it can evolve to its highest possible level and output.

14.10 - Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as the controlling or abusive behaviour that harms a family member's health, safety or well-being. The violation of a family member's right to security and human dignity should be seen as an assault against the sanctity of family life.

Any violent onslaught, in whatever form, must be adequately dealt with.

We believe that appropriate discipline, in the form of corporal punishment, judiciously and correctly applied by a parent does not constitute domestic violence. This does not include excessive and inappropriate violence against a child.
The police services must immediately respond to a victim's request for intervention in a violent or abusive situation. The nature of domestic violence is such that the victim is constantly in fear. Delays to an application for restraining measures are often catastrophic.

It is the civil duty of the community to protect the victim and may include the application for a protection order on behalf of the victim where it is necessary.The role of the courts in granting a protection order, without notice to the offender, should be employed where this is deemed appropriate.

Definitive action from the police is required in the seizure of arms and dangerous weapons in order to minimize the risk to life. It is the court's prerogative to enforce this law by ordering the police, without hesitation, to seize any weapon in a family dispute.

15.0 - HOUSING                                                                                                                                         To Top

15.1 - Background

At present, the housing sector in South Africa is in a very disrupted state. This has created some serious problems.

Highly politicized delivery programmes have had a detrimental effect on the effective performance of the economy, the efficiency of cities, the welfare of the previously deprived communities, and as well as the performance within the housing sector itself.

15.2 - Possible Workable Programmes

To alleviate the squatting problem, and also guard against the implementation of the undesirable housing schemes and private sector disincentives, the following must be observed:

Prioritization of housing needs should be community driven and owned, as opposed to being controlled by central government.

The CDA will promote the development of affordable housing through the provision of community owned self-help schemes. Community involvement must be free from party-political bias or interference.

Broad consultation with relevant stakeholders should be conducted- more specifically between the government departments of housing, private sectors, banks and financial institutions and people's forums. This would enhance and nurture sound working relationships and enable efficient delivery of houses.

Joint efforts by private institutions and community-based organizations will be made to find systems whereby large private sector institutions can move down market and invest in mass housing schemes.

A culture of payment and a sense of responsibility must be promoted. The state and property financing agents or banks will introduce educational programmes to first-time home buyers to explain the responsibility of property ownership, mortgage bond systems
inclusive of its pro’s and con’s and other responsibilities.

15.3 - Delivery Systems

The way in which houses have to be built on site and parameters that directly affect the cost, time and amount of effort that individuals or families will have to provide must be specified within the processes.

The proposed criteria to this effect should be as follows: Self build; Self help; Housing co-operatives; and Sub economic development.

16.0 - LAND AFFAIRS                                                                                                                                To Top

The CDA respects the right of all citizens to own property. The CDA policy on land affairs would address the problem issues of land imbalances, land restitution and land usage. Equitable principles must be applied to support the right of all citizens to have access to property ownership.

The CDA will address the wrongs of the past based on the biblical principles of restitution and restoration.

The CDA supports the following policy on Land Affairs:

•All South Africans must enjoy security of tenure as well as the freedom to acquire, utilize, rent and sell property, including land;
•When superfluous State land is not directly utilized, such land should be allocated for the residential needs of communities that have been historically disadvantaged;
•Ownership of tribal or trust land must be negotiated with the traditional authority and the community so that ways can be found to extend land ownership for the benefit of everyone connected to the land;
•Land restitution is the process whereby land illegally dispossessed is compensated for or restored to a previous owner guided by principles such as equitable restitution, mutual consent and benefits;
•Land claims courts are to address issues such as property, which was unfairly acquired;
•Redistribution of land will be made available either through rent or purchase, for the purpose of sustainable development;
•The rural poor, labour tenants and entrepreneurial farm workers will have opportunity to access such land through a system facilitated by government's own land assets and that of other landowners;
•There is a large backlog of land restitution and reallocation cases that have to be heard by the courts. The issues are complex and require in depth examination in order for justice to be served. The CDA will investigate forms of general "out of court settlements" which will allow people to access land immediately without waiting many years for their cases to be heard;
•We will also take into consideration that to make effective and productive use of reallocated land, communities must have access to finance and other resources;
•With regards to the land tenure and security of tenure, the right of farm workers must be protected;

•The involvement of farm workers and farm owners in drawing up legislative protection on how land tenure can be equitably applied will be ensured;
•Unlawful land occupation is unacceptable, and as such the availability and usage of land will enjoy high priority. Squatting is a symptom of previous land affairs practices. Squatters will be temporarily accommodated until suitably housing can be provided, and squatters will be dealt with humanely and efficiently whilst the cause of their homelessness is addressed;
•Whilst addressing these issues the CDA will not lose sight of the necessity of maintaining a dynamic agricultural sector, therefore welfare and efficiency objectives must be reconciled .

17.0 - WATER                                                                                                                                        To Top

The CDA recognizes a grave responsibility with regard to the stewardship of water, which is a scarce commodity and a vital resource.Both the conservation and accessibility of water by all are major concerns and will become priorities.

The Government has attempted to revise or enact new environmental laws in almost every field including waste management, pollution control, minerals and energy, agriculture, biological diversity (and use of genetic resources), forestry and land.

There should be no ownership of water but only a right to water - for environmental needs and to meet basic human needs - or an authorization for its use. In addition this authorization should not be granted in perpetuity.

The CDA takes a strong stand against the policy which states that the location of water in relation to land should not in itself confer preferential rights to usage. Included in this is the proposed abolition of the riparian principle that affords special water rights to the owner of land over which or directly alongside which the water flows.

We feel that if a government controls the ownership of water in such a fashion, it could prohibit the use thereof. It can then effectively force compliance from any person or group by cutting of the water supply for just a couple of days. This is an infringement of personal freedom.

The CDA believes that the state should not be allowed to own all rights and consequently supersede individual rights. All people should have access to clean running water.

18.0 - AGRICULTURE POLICY                                                                                                                    To Top

18.1 - Agricultural Production

•The growth in population, especially in the last five decades, has outstripped the increase in real agricultural production. This aspect needs serious consideration for the future;
•If we allow the current surplus to decline into a shortfall, the cost to the average South African will be considerable. This situation will result in greater amounts having to be spent on imported agricultural produce;
•An ABSA survey of the agricultural sector highlights the fact that South Africa sells its agricultural produce internationally. These sales are in markets where the levels of agricultural subsidization are substantially higher than in South Africa. This in turn has meant that domestic price increases in agriculture have to be limited in order to remain internationally competitive. South Africans have benefited at the expense of the farming community;
•The CDA in principle is not in favour of the large scale granting of subsidies ¬agricultural or otherwise, but wisdom has to be employed in ensuring that the necessary growth be stimulated in the agricultural sector.
•The CDA will endeavour to encourage the necessary growth in output by employing the necessary medium to long term incentives.

18.2 - The Impact of Agriculture on Other Economic Sectors

Of further importance to the economy is the linkage effect of the agricultural sector with other sectors. The secondary importance of the agricultural activity must not be disregarded.

According to the ABSA survey, agricultural purchases and sales expressed as a percentage of gross agricultural income is extremely insightful.
It shows that industries benefit most from agricultural spending [47.9% of gross income].
The second single largest benefit flowing from the agricultural sector goes to labour, with wages making up no less than 20.2% of gross agricultural income spending, according to records provided by the Central Statistics Services. It is clear from the above that a large part of the industrial sector is dependent on agriculture.

About 25% of our total industrial production sources basic raw material inputs from the agricultural sector. More than 60% of total gross agricultural production is delivered to the manufacturing sector for further processing.
As provider of employment, the contribution of the agricultural sector is very significant. An estimated 850 000 workers are permanently employed in agriculture. Still, the need for greater levels of mechanization in order to achieve optimal production and the rising cost of labour are the main reasons for job opportunities in the farming sector declining in South Africa.

18.3 - Cost Increases in Agriculture

The CDA is concerned with the price and cost increases in agriculture, as this translates directly into higher living costs for all South Africans.

In searching for the complex factors that helps one to derive a reason for this increase, the following is to be noted:
•The total outstanding agricultural debt rose from R2 004m to Rl9 396m over the past 20 years an average increase of 12% per year;
•The distribution of the debt burden is also important. In 1994 the ratio of debt to assets was estimated at 0 for 27% of farmers i.e. 27% of farmers had no debt. For 20% of farming enterprises the ratio was below 10%; for 23% of farmers it stood at between 10% and 30%; for some 15% it was between 30% and 50%, with a further 15% worse than 50%.

It therefore appears that farmers are now paying the price of having benefited from subsidies for so long.

In retrospect, it is unfair that they are being penalized by having to take loans at commercial rates when the levels have been artificially maintained through loans by institutions like the Land Bank for so long.
Currently more than a third of all financing of agricultural activity is done through commercial banks charging commercial rates.

The CDA feels that markets should not be contrived artificially through subsidy schemes and the like but we understand the plight of the farmers some 15 % of them have debts in excess of 50 % of their asset base.

18.4 - Additional Problems Encountered in Agriculture

Agriculture faces other serious problems.

Natural Conditions
Unstable weather conditions remain a problem.

Threatened Safety

In addition, there are aspects such as safety on farms with large numbers of farmers living under threat as a result of the ineffectiveness of the police to act strictly and effectively.

The CDA will not tolerate the murder of innocent farmers to force them off the land no matter how the cause is justified.

18.5 - CDA Position

•The CDA will encourage stronger links between the agricultural, mining & minerals and trade industries;
•The CDA also believes that subsistence farming should be researched and developed as a means of families being able to provide for themselves;
•As returns on agricultural activities are limited we will facilitate research into agri-industry and promote its development.

We further maintain that Market trends must be accurately read and communicated so as to ensure that production will closely meet demand.

19.0 - ENVIROMENTAL AFFAIRS AND POLLUTION                                                                                     To Top

19.1 - Ecosystem in decline

“Our grandchildren may have access to conveniences that further reduce the drudgery of everyday life, but they will also inherit a planet with less than 20% of its original forests intact, with most of the readily available freshwater already spoken for, with most of the
wetlands and reef systems destroyed or degraded, and much of the arable land under plough.

They will inherit a stressed atmosphere and an unwanted legacy of toxic waste in the soil and water. Missing from the estate will be countless species, most wiped out before even being catalogued by scientists."

The CDA will actively strive to prevent the above scenario.

19.2 - Protection of the Environment

The protection and care of our environment is not only the duty of the government, but every political party and of every person in South Africa. The CDA believes that human beings were created so as to live in harmony with nature, and that if we destroy the earth and the natural resources, we do so at our peril.

19.3 - The CDA Position on Environmental Issues

•We would encourage balanced increases in the budget for environmental matters;
•We consider that a focus on the phenomenon of Eco-tourism can achieve the needed balance between man and nature while being contributive to job creation;
•We are in agreement with efforts to ensure that our natural assets are efficiently protected, managed and successfully promoted;
•We emphasise the need to introduce proper assessment and to obtain proper information as to the potential cost of policies, plans and projects that impact on the environment before developments are undertaken;
•The people require that the government shoulders the overreaching responsibility to monitor, manage and protect the environment as well as the health of our people;
•In order for us to balance the process of environmental conservation and developmental needs of our nation, we have to embark on a national strategic programme to combat pollution damage;
•With this need for control comes the realization that South Africa is a developing country and as such and we need to protect our interests and restrict other nations from using our shores as their dumping ground. We also need to protect ourselves from those who would despoil our environment in a manner that is prohibited in their home countries. We therefore support the imposition of hefty anti-dumping duties such as those recently levied on Asian countries. We also support strict monitoring of factories that pose health and environmental risks;
•We need to focus on the effects of mining and industry on our environment and the general health and well being of South African communities in their vicinity. In most instances the communities that live in closest proximity to the mining activities are some of our poorer citizens. Large Industries are known to be producing large volumes of health threatening pollution with impunity;
•Members of these communities depend on the mines and industries for employment and cannot "bite the hand that feeds them" by voicing their concerns. The result is that the issues of health and well being are generally not given the required degree of importance. The communities are then effectively denied their right to healthy environment;
•Our constitution states that everyone should have the right to a healthy ecological system, however the question still remains to what extent the rights of our communities are protected. Can they effectively participate in the making of decisions that impact on their environmental rights?;
•No framework exists whereby the rights and interests of a person or group can be protected. They have no say as to where and when mining and industry may be allowed. Thorough consultation with all interest groups should precede the right to grant or not grant a company a license for mining or industrial development and practices;
•Although legislation in South Africa places heavy emphasis on environmental protection, not enough is being done to clamp down on the contribution by mining and industry toward the ecological degradation of some parts of our country. Provinces and Municipalities are often intimidated by the threat of mines and industries to "Move out" if reasonable but expensive controls are applied. It is felt that bribery is a factor in some of these cases;
•Respiratory diseases and other problems created by pollution are a major often hidden expense in our Health Care budget;
•The CDA is concerned for the region of the Eastern Cape where it is feared that mining operations must be more strictly managed, the region stands to lose substantially in tourist revenue. Illegal operations stretch throughout the province and include the digging up of river beds for building sand; large sections of unused clay quarries or pits that are left abandoned and which contributes to soil erosion and threaten to kill the spectacular and unique flora.
•The CDA supports the projected aim of attracting more than 7 million tourists annually; however we stress the need to boost management control strategies in all regions to protect our environment against exploitative entrepreneurs;
•The CDA is concerned about the government’s lack of adequate response to the need to eradicate asbestos pollution, which is threatening the health of several of our communities. According to research, it has been found that in the Northern Province, large levels of hazardous fibre is washed into the rivers by rainwater and the waters are then used for washing and cooking;
•Action must be speedily taken to prevent damage to the health of our people and environment. We must prevent the demise of our ecology and the damage to the health of South Africans;
•An extract from the Government White paper on an Environmental Policy for South Africa reads: "Traditionally, offences committed in terms of environmental legislation have not been viewed as crimes, or moral wrongs. However, in order to secure sustainable use of environmental resources and protect the well being of citizens this perception must change. Therefore punishment of environmental crimes will reflect the gravity with which the degradation and abuse of the environment is considered."

19.4. - The Need for Environmental Training in South Africa

Due the current decline in the ecosystem, the CDA is very aware of the position stated in the White Paper on Environmental Management Policy for South Africa (July 1997):

“Conservation and sustainable use of environmental resources and their protection depends on changed behaviour by all individuals, households, and private and public institutions. These changes must affect processes of resource extraction, spatial development, appropriate and clean production, waste minimization and pollution control strategies in order to guarantee a higher quality of life for all.”

In order to make the required improvements in environmental management in South Africa, a strong ethic and programme of environmental education and training will be required.

20.0 - NATIONAL DEFENCE                                                                                                                          To Top

20.1. - Independent Preparedness

We affirm that governments have a responsibility to build up and maintain a strong military preparedness to protect their citizens from foreign threats and subversive influences, which may deprive them of their liberties.
South Africa's national defence force must be vigilant and act as an effective deterrent against any possible outside threats.

20.2. - Arms Production and Distribution

Bearing in mind South Africa's capability to produce sophisticated weaponry, we oppose the sale of arms to any nation that would use those arms to the detriment of the free world.

20.2.1. - Arms Reductions

We favour the pursuit of multilateral reductions in the nuclear and chemical weapon arsenals of all nations.

20.3. - Foreign Commitment

An important task of the armed forces is to help preserve international peace and to provide assistance and services in domestic and foreign disaster situations.

20.4. - Domestic Duties

The regular duty of the navy, air force and military is to protect the security and sovereignty of this country.
Domestic duty will also be required in the case of a state of emergency.
A state of emergency can only be proclaimed once reasonable and justifiable grounds exist for such measures. The assistance of our defence forces may also be required during times of natural disasters.

20.5. - Recruitment

Admission to South Africa's armed forces should be open to all applicants who are of the age of eighteen (18) years, and who are resident in South Africa, in sound physical health and not practicing unnatural or immoral lifestyles.
Recruitment should be on a voluntary basis, in times of peace, with encouragement being given to those wishing to make a career out of the services.
Conscription in times of war should make provision for conscientious objectors (on religious grounds) to serve their country in non combatant roles.

20.6. – Retirement for War veterans

There are hundreds of war veterans, if not thousands, especially from the South African Coloured Corps, who are of the view that they have been treated unfairly after the amalgamation of the different armies into one SANDF. Many veterans have been marginalized and have been abandoned without a war veteran’s pension. This has resulted in great hardship for the families.
The CDA will strive for justice for the war veterans and we will pursue the matter with the Minister of Defence until every war veteran, who deserve a pension, will receive one.

21.0. - NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY                                                                                                  To Top

The role of the intelligence service in South Africa is to ensure that the ideals of democracy and civil security are protected.

21.1. - Accountability

•The CDA believes that although certain covert services must be maintained, this does not legitimize abusive strategies. Strict controls to avert abuse must be provided;
•The parameters and scope of intelligence services must be spelled out. The intelligence
services must adopt a code of accountability and reasonable openness.
In the interest of state security and efficient management, it is of great importance that intelligence structures should be co-ordinated.

21.2. - The Aims & Objectives of the Intelligence Service

•The task and aim of Intelligence is to detect and prevent any form of military rule or insurrectionist movement from threatening our democratic state;
•There is a worldwide increase in militant groups and fascist movements that can find ways to infiltrate this country. We need to be kept aware of these movements if we are to preserve our hard won freedom;
•Our state is also being used by crime and drug syndicates to infiltrate all levels of society in order to make our country ungovernable.

21.3. - Independence of the Intelligence Services

•We support an independent Intelligence service to co ordinate the intelligence structures, which is responsible and accountable to cabinet;
•Support must be given to the National co-ordinator for Intelligence to perform his or her work diligently and effectively without undue control, by a designated Minister who serves as supervisor to the function of the co-ordinator;
•The authority of the co-ordinator for Intelligence should not to be controlled or impaired by any Minister;
•Both the Minister and National Intelligence Co-ordinator must agree upon the gathering, co-ordination and dissemination of strategic information;
•A reasonable amount of power and authority is therefore necessary to ensure the transparency of the functioning operations of the National co-ordinator and the Minister. This will ensure that personnel functions and decision making are maintained;
•Unless such powers exist, covert decision or cover ups either by Intelligence structures or Cabinet could well damage the integrity of the Intelligence Services;
•We believe that our Intelligence Service should be free from political interference, but a strong control over its loyalty to this country and the nation must be in place.

22.0. - FOREIGN AFFAIRS                                                                                                                         To Top

Biblical ethics, in the realm of foreign policy, which is centred on peace and goodwill, is to be understood and supported by the CDA.

Foremost, our foreign affairs policy is to protect our own interest and sovereign integrity, whilst being balanced with co-operative agreements among the international community.

We are also committed to engage with other governments on areas of mutual benefits such as human rights, good government practices and good democratic values.

The CDA’s position pertaining to foreign affairs will be sensible and realistic with a view towards producing results rather than making an impression.

We will discourage the unnecessary expenditure of public money on frivolous pomp and ceremony and embassies and diplomats will be modestly funded.

22.1. - The Global Environment

Competitiveness is a key factor in global market performance, and a nation's fortunes depend on how it integrates into the international flow of trade, investment and technology.

In this respect globalization determines its own values in terms of policy orientation. However, as globalization seeks to offer conditions for a more equitable world, the question remains whether sufficient time and long term policy solutions can be accommodated to address problems such as unemployment, marginalization and inequality.

22.1.1. - The CDA’s position on globalization:

•We must ensure equitable solutions to our social problems;
•Our national sovereign identity must be maintained.

South Africa needs to recognize that globalization has created two important issues that need serious policy attention:

1.We have to find new ways to protect domestic policies and our own national independence;

2.We have to actively engage in the international arena and do our best to become an active force that will help bring about changes in the global environment that will benefit our own country and Africa in general.

22.2. - African Renaissance inside a Foreign Policy Framework

It must be stated that the African renaissance movement should not be stigmatized with a narrow and myopic Africanist view.
The continent of Africa presents us with a kaleidoscope of rich cultures and historical traditions, which have evolved into a capacity that, can engage with other continental cultures, and bring together an African continental flavour to all people within, as well as outside of Africa.
In other words, a true African renaissance experience is only appreciative if it incorporates such diversities into the fold of this movement.

22.2.1. - Problem areas of concern

There are however certain areas of concern that could threaten the movement, even before it has started:

•High Conflict War Zones
It is estimated that 25 percent of African states are high conflict war zones where chaos reigns.

The whole problem of border disputes, demarcation policies that give rise to certain wars, etc. are types of political problems in Africa that we may know very little about, or haven't even tried to address.

•The refugee problem
Africa has the largest population in the world. In 1969, when the leadership of our continent sought to resolve Africa's refugee problem, there were about 70 000 refugees. It is estimated that today the figure exceeds 7 million, or approximately one third of the total world refugee problem.

•Economic underdevelopment
The gulf between the poor and the rich of the world is continuing to drift further apart.
Of the 23 trillion dollars global GDP in 1993, 18 trillion is in the industrial countries - only 5 trillion dollars are in the developing countries, even though they have nearly 80% of the world’s people.

The poorest 20% of the world's people saw their share of global income decline from 2,3% to 1,4% in the past 30 years. Meanwhile, the share of the richest 20% rose form 70% to 85%.

Theses are just a few of the problems. However, in order to effectively engage in foreign affairs issues we need to understand the nature and scope of the African task ahead of us, and not to drag the African renaissance ideal into superficial speculation and theoretical flippancy.

22.3. - Promoting the African Renaissance Ideal

The CDA identifies 4 fronts upon which we should focus to assist in shaping the renaissance ideal.

22.3.1. - Political Justice and Stability

The first is, political justice and stability

•The democratic ideal can only be safely secure if we aim to establish partnerships to help tackle areas that have destabilized the African continent for decades.
•Such partnerships will of course promote trust and confidence, and by learning from each other, steady progress towards the greater good of all Africa will begin to surface.

22.3.2 - Economic Rejuvenation

Another field of influence is to implement policies that will boost Africa's economic rejuvenation

•It is stated that the economies of thirty African countries grew at a rate of more than 5% in 1996, while there were a few reported to grow at even 10%. This is the type of momentum that we need to build on.
•In other words, to achieve this we may need to change certain traditional mindsets and adopt positive economically viable principles.
•For instance, African countries will have to, adopt measures such as fiscal discipline, trade liberalization, appropriate social and educational policies, constitutionally guaranteed property rights, appropriate and responsible privatization policies, safe and secure environments, just to name a few.

22.3.3. - Intellectual Capacity Building

A further factor of significance is intellectual capacity building

•It does not serve Africa any good if its educational capacity is not drawn from the widest possible resources fields.
•The intellectual eye of Africa should engage in global educational development, as well as promote its own intellectual contributions to the world.
•It is therefore imperative that we do not allow for educational policies that are of mediocre standards, as this will surely lead to the betrayal of Africa's significance as a world player.

22.3.4. - Moral Awakening

Another important aspect within the African renaissance ideal, is the need for a new moral awakening upon this continent. (An African Reformation)

•By advocating for a moral renaissance, it in essence implies that in principle a latent morality is present.
•The reason for such moral latency is because of the negative and evil influence of certain forces, be they tyrannical regimes or economic exploitative powers.
•A resurgence of morality that moves against these destructive forces is long overdue.
•The Bible teaches about a morality that flows from God, and upon which humans should engage their affairs within this world. A deviation of such moral standards is reduced to relativism and situational expediency and control.
•Unless the acknowledgement of divine principles are understood as a warning to our human fallibility, our societies will always be subjected to exploitation and violent hostilities.
•It is because of the absence of a moral consciousness that leaders were able to rule with tyrannical ruthlessness and plunder the state coffers at the expense of the people, causing much starvation and genocide and conflict.
•Righteousness, justice, peace and the integrity and dignity of another human being have been isolated as being non political principles, leading most countries to be ruled by authoritarian and despotic values.

22.4. - Southern Africa Development Community (SADC))

The CDA endorses the following objects formulated and contained within the preamble of the constitution of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

It states that members of the SADC regions are:

"Determined to promote respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, including the promotion and development of co¬-operation in the economic field in the SADC region based on the principle of equity and mutual benefit; and to promote peace, security and stability on the basis of collective responsibility and supporting the development of permanent conflict resolution mechanisms in the SADC sub region and strengthening regional solidarity and building a sense of common destiny among the peoples of SADC."

22.5. - Principles to Steer Our Foreign Relations Policy