29 May 2024: IRR urges SA to choose growth over poverty

21 February 2024

The announcement of 29 May as the date for South Africa's 2024 national and provincial elections marks a key opportunity for the country to choose growth over poverty, says the IRR.

Says Hermann Pretorius, IRR head of strategic communications: "Opinion polling, including that of the IRR, suggests that this election will be South Africa’s most closely contested since 1994. With the majority of data showing the ANC dipping below 50% and no party winning an overall national majority, the contest offers voters the most significant opportunity in decades to alter the trajectory of our country.

"When we cut out all the noise, the choice facing voters on 29 May is a simple one: growth or poverty.

"Will South Africa continue down the path of race-based, cadre-rigged, and wealth-extracting policies that fuel corruption and destroy service delivery and jobs, or will we be brave enough to chart a course back to economic growth, job creation, opportunities, prosperity, and real economic freedom for everyone?

"South Africa needs a coalition of pro-growth forces across all parts of society. From politics to business to labour to the ordinary citizen trying their best to make ends meet – we can only succeed together as a country if we advocate for, work for, vote for, and implement the policies that will make it as easy as possible for hardworking South Africans to use their time and talents to add value, earn incomes, create jobs, and take care of those in need."

Pretorius adds: "IRR polling data paint a clear picture of our country: people are desperate for fair and decent opportunities to build a better life. That's why unemployment ranks as the highest priority for South Africans. That's why majorities of people from all backgrounds support a policy that would introduce vouchers for education, housing, and healthcare, taking power out of the hands of cadres, cronies, comrades, and crooks and directly empowering parents, aspiring homeowners, and patients.

"We have seen the corruption caused by policies like BEE and cadre deployment. That's why South Africans are ready for a change – a return to pro-growth policy."

Pretorius concludes: "We have seen the failed efforts of politicians to turn the people of South Africa against one another. That's why the majority of South Africans share the belief that we all need each other to make our country a success.

"We urge all South Africans to vote on 29 May for #WhatSACanBe: a beacon of freedom and prosperity."

Issued by Hermann Pretorius, IRR Head of Strategic Communications, 21 February 2024