As South Africa heads to the polls on May 29th, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has made a bold pledge in their election manifesto – to prioritize tackling the soaring cost of living over the next five years if re-elected.
In the manifesto released last week, the ANC acknowledged the high cost of living as one of the biggest challenges facing ordinary South Africans, especially low-income households.
Escalating food, electricity, fuel and data prices have severely strained household budgets in recent years.
“Over the next five years, the ANC will prioritize making life more affordable for all South Africans,” the manifesto states.
While light on specifics, the document hints at potential policy interventions like subsidies, tax relief, incentives and even temporary price controls in areas like food, energy, transport and mobile data to ease cost pressures.
The ANC, which has governed the country since post-apartheid election in 1994, also pledges to use social grants judiciously as a support mechanism for the most vulnerable households grappling with high living costs. However, critics argue permanent social assistance cannot substitute real income growth.
As South Africa’s general election approaches, combating the cost-of-living crisis will be a key priority for voters across the economic spectrum. Whether the ANC can deliver on these promises over the next term remains to be seen.
