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.jpg "Service Delivery Protests in SA Service Delivery Protests in SA") |
What Is a “National Election”? Secrets Revealed |
One of just
eight nations in Africa with an upper-middle-income, mixed economy is South
Africa. Did you know that the value of the dollar and the rand were nearly
equal before 1994? In terms of
technology, industrialization, and diversification, our economy leads all of
Africa. Even though South Africa is one of the richest nations in Africa, the
current Dollar to Rand exchange rate speaks for itself. After 30 years of
democracy with a $13.5 billion yearly contribution to the GDP, the industry of
natural resource extraction remains one of the biggest in our nation. The
Promised Land has everything we the people require, with the exception of responsible
public administration, which is only becoming worse!
To assume that
individuals in South Africa are primarily interested in politics for personal
gain is completely correct. While governing a country is undeniably a
difficult task, it is unrealistic of me to expect flawless functioning in every
aspect of the government. However, it is disheartening that our nation has been grappling with
obtaining basic services for years, if not decades. This is unacceptable
because the rates and taxes we pay are intended to cover services provided by
the local municipality, such as rubbish collection, street lighting, sewerage,
and other amenities. Regrettably, in South Africa, we pay rates and taxes for
services that are not delivered to us. This raises the question of where is the
money being allocated and what it is truly being utilized for?
According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, South Africa is facing one of the highest unemployment rates globally.
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In my view, a significant number of individuals born in the 90s in South Africa have received a good education, acquiring various certificates, diplomas, and degrees due to successful government programs like NFSAS. However, it is disheartening that more than 70% of these educated individuals remain unemployed or are unable to secure jobs in their fields due to a lack of job opportunities and nepotism in the workplace. In this article I will provide my individual perspectives, thoughts, and stances on addressing questions like, What is the significance of participating in the 2024 elections?, How will my participation in the national elections impact me? Whom should I choose to vote for
Want to know why we should vote in the SA 2024 National elections? It’s easier than you think
Corruption in South Africa has escalated to unprecedented levels and has deep roots within our top government officials. The first corruption scandal that comes to mind dates back to 2010, when reports and whistle blowers revealed that Dani Jordan and associates either orchestrated or accepted a bribe in order to secure the hosting rights for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. When money is the driving force behind a project, such as awarding a company a tender to construct a hospital, it is not uncommon for the subcontractor to cut corners by using cheap labor and materials, and pocketing the remaining funds. In South Africa, government tenders worth millions of rand are often allocated to relatives and friends of political figures who lack the necessary qualifications for the job.
What's even more alarming is that these individuals do not fulfill their obligations under the tender; instead, they abscond with the funds. It is truly disturbing to witness the audacity of the "tender mafia," who show no regard for the consequences of their actions. They may secure a government tender today, only to leave the designated site for the hospital, road, or bridge undeveloped and desolate years later, all for the sake of their own selfish desires for luxury homes and cars. The extent of corruption in South Africa is appalling, considering the potential job opportunities and economic growth that could have been generated for the local community through these tenders.
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| Eskom: Cartels, Corruption and Cyanide - Financial Times Film |
Hopefully you now understand the significance of casting your vote as a crucial action for every citizen. It provides you with the opportunity to advocate for the issues that matter to you. 25 years ago, a large portion of our population was denied the right to vote, with many facing arrest, imprisonment, torture, and even death for fighting for this fundamental human right. By exercising your right to vote, you hold the power to shape the quality of life for yourself, your community, and future generations
Personally, I will be voting for a party that I prefer, but I choose to keep it confidential, haha.
Ultimately, election outcomes are determined by the individuals who actively participate in the voting process. If you abstain from voting, you are essentially allowing others to make decisions on your behalf, leaving you with the consequences of choices you did not make. By engaging in the electoral process as a voter, you have a voice in shaping the direction of governance for the next five years. Your influence lies within your vote.
There has been a long-standing rumor suggesting that failing to vote automatically benefits the ruling party (ANC). This misinformation has circulated for over a decade, resurfacing during various elections since 2011. In 2019, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) addressed this rumor on social media, clarifying that it is false.
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| Independent Electoral Commission Tweet |
The IEC maintains an extensive online database housing election statistics dating back to 1994. One of the key statistics recorded is the voter turnout on Election Day. In the year 2019, the voter turnout was recorded at 66.05%. This indicates that out of the total 26,756,649 registered voters, 17,672,851 individuals actively participated in the electoral process (including 235,472 spoiled ballots). Furthermore, it signifies that 9,083,798 voters chose not to exercise their voting rights. These 9 million votes were not directed towards the ANC. Conversely, the ruling party received 10,026,475 votes, accounting for 57.5% of all valid votes, thereby securing 230 out of the 400 seats in parliament.
Everything You Need to Know - How Does Voting affect me?
Parliament plays a direct and active role in national affairs as it is the legislative authority of South Africa it consists of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and is the place where Members of Parliament look after our interests and represent the interests of provinces in the national sphere of government. Members of Parliament (MPs) have many responsibilities, including:
•Make laws that will improve our lives; discuss and debate government policy and other political issues;
•Consult with us, the people, and represent our views in Parliament;
•Help people in their constituencies;
•Approve the budgets of government departments, as presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance;
•Ensure the work government promised to do is being done;
•Check that public money is being spent wisely.
•Help people in their constituencies;
•Approve the budgets of government departments, as presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance;
•Ensure the work government promised to do is being done;
•Check that public money is being spent wisely.
South Africa relies heavily on income tax as one of its major sources of revenue. Income tax is the standard tax paid on an individual's taxable income.The Minister of Finance oversees the South African Revenue Service, and this is where voting has the most impact on us. The Parliament determines the annual rate of income tax, which is commonly known as "marginal rates of tax" or "statutory rates." The South African government receives various forms of income tax, such as:
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| 2023 / 24 Income Tax Brackets |
2. Corporate income tax: Companies are required to pay tax on their profits.
3. Capital gains tax: This tax is levied on the profit made from selling assets, such as property or investments.
4. Dividend tax: Shareholders are subject to tax on the dividends they receive from companies.
5. Withholding tax: This tax is deducted at the source of income, such as interest or royalties, before it is paid to non-residents
Every year during the annual budget speech, the Minister of Finance reveals the tax rates that will be imposed on us. This includes information about tax cuts and rebates for the financial year, with the aim of returning more money to our pockets.The ultimate goal is to stimulate consumer spending and encourage citizens to invest a portion of the received funds in different businesses.
Consequently, this will lead to an increase in revenue, cash flow, and profits for these businesses. With a greater amount of cash, companies can then invest in capital, enhance technology, and expand their operations. All of these actions contribute to boosting productivity, which in turn drives economic growth.
Scientists Claim
It's Important to know Who I Am Voting for:
Here's Why
By acquiring new manufacturing plants or investing in cutting-edge technologies, companies can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. My unwavering belief is that the most efficient and rapid means to revive our stagnant economy is by fostering the creation of new industries. This can only be achieved if Parliament dedicates its focus to passing new bills and making amendments to the current national legislature.
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| Grand View Research Medical Marijuana: Market Analyst Report |
Colorado voters made a landmark decision in November 2000 by endorsing the use of medical marijuana. Initially, patients and their caregivers were permitted to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants due to the absence of growers and retail stores. However, a pivotal moment occurred in 2009 when a judge's ruling allowed caregivers to provide cannabis to more than five patients, leading to the emergence of the medical marijuana dispensary industry. Simultaneously, U.S. Attorneys were advised to prioritize other matters over enforcing federal laws concerning medical marijuana, igniting what became known as The “Green Rush”.
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| FlowHub: Cannabis POS, Inventory & Compliance Software Company |
The relaxation of laws for a limited number of individuals sparked the interest of numerous business professionals and entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the industry. I plan to align myself with the political party that I believe is most likely to push for the commercialization of cannabis in South Africa as I am a firm believer that granting SA citizens the right to commercially cultivate, trade, decriminalize, and legally protect cannabis will not only allow for personal use but also open up opportunities for widespread cultivation, trade, and revenue generation simply put the cannabis industry is highly appealing to the youth and has the potential to boost the South African agricultural sector.
The recent ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa emphasizes the need for legal protection regarding the personal cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis in private settings within the country.While decriminalization is a significant development, regulation is vital to ensure that cannabis is utilized exclusively in private environments.
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| SA Cannabis: CBD- Industry Landscape Report (2022) |
In Conclusion
The South African Independent Electoral Commission, as established by the Constitution, is a vital institution that plays a crucial role in upholding democracy in the country. With a mandate to oversee elections at all levels of government, they operate independently from political influence, ensuring that the electoral process remains fair and transparent for all citizens. Despite being funded by public resources and being accountable to parliament, the Commission maintains its autonomy to carry out its duties effectively.
Section 5 of the Electoral Commission Act, enacted in 1996, lays out a set of obligations that the IEC must fulfill. These include the compilation and maintenance of a register of political parties, the undertaking and promotion of research into electoral matters, the development and advancement of electoral expertise and technology in all spheres of government, the continuous review of electoral laws and proposed amendments with corresponding recommendations, the promotion of voter education, the timely declaration of election results for national, provincial, and municipal legislative bodies within seven days, and the appointment of appropriate public administrations to conduct elections when required.
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| South African 2024 - National, Provincial, Reigon - Result Slip |
Rest assured, the 2024 South African National, Provincial, and Regional Elections are poised to ignite a fierce battle for leadership that will shape the trajectory of South Africa for the foreseeable future marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of our burgeoning democracy.
This momentous occasion will not only scrutinize the credibility of the IEC on a global scale but also serve as a turning point in our nation's history, as it will finally provide a platform for multiple parties to compete on an equal footing, allowing the voice of the people to be heard and their choices to be respected. The significance of the South African 2024 National, Provincial and Regional Elections cannot be overstated, as it signifies the maturation of our democracy and the strengthening of our political institutions.
The outcome of these elections will determine the direction in which our country will move, and the policies that will shape the lives of every South African citizen. It is a time of great excitement and anticipation, as we witness the birth of a new era in our democratic journey.
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