DA Youth Demand Police Lifestyle Audit to Combat Corruption in South Africa

The Democratic Alliance’s Youth Chairperson for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Sthabelo Ntshangase, yesterday called for a lifestyle audit of the South African police ahead of the upcoming elections, alleging that their lifestyles are questionable given their salaries.

Speaking at a meeting held by the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), which focused on the aspirations and perspectives of the youth on leadership and coalition governments in South Africa, Ntshangase expressed frustration, arguing that one of the major issues in South Africa that the leaders have failed to solve is crime, and he emphasized that the first step in addressing this issue is through auditing the police.

““We need transparent leaders who are willing to conduct lifestyle audits on police officers to determine how many of them can afford extravagant lifestyles, including expensive cars, despite their salaries not being sufficient to support such a lifestyle,” said Ntshangase.

Sithabelo Ntshangase (DA)

Ntshangase, who also a councillor for the city of UMhlathuze , also urged South Africans to vote wisely for leaders who can provide good service and address issues such as potholes, electricity, and water challenges. He stated that effective service delivery creates an environment that attracts investors and helps revive South Africa’s economy

“We need to create an environment that attracts investors. How will investors invest in a country that experiences load shedding? No one wants to come to a country where people are told they are not black enough to operate here,” he argued.

Chad Owens Davids, representing the Good Party, a South African political party formed in December 2018, shared similar sentiments regarding combating crime in South Africa. He emphasized the need for more skilled police officers who possess strong social skills, arguing that ‘no one is born a criminal’.

The meeting brought together youth representatives from various political parties, youth activists, young academics, and members of civil society for an open and constructive conversation about South Africa, ahead of the elections scheduled for the 29th of May this month

Dagan Naesar, the Youth Chairperson for Action SA, highlighted the dysfunctionality of Home Affairs as a major reason for the high crime rate in South Africa.

“The honest truth is we have a dysfunctional Home Affairs. Crimes are being committed, and most times, we do not even know who is in the country. We need to have an effective border management authority,” said Chaiperson Naesar.

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Dagan Naesar ( Action SA)

Chairperson Naesar also criticized the current government and its leadership for ignoring the voices of young people. He called for the amendment of the constitution, the reduction of the size of the cabinet, and the reinstatement of the Scorpions to combat crime

Another issue discussed was the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, signed earlier this month by the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which aims to provide universal access to quality healthcare for all South Africans.

Despite the bill promising many benefits, including reducing the cost of healthcare systems, narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in terms of healthcare standards, and eliminating hospital fees, the youth leaders expressed concerns.

Chairperson Naesar expressed support but warned against inadequate funding. He suggested that, although his party, Action SA, agrees with the NHI bill and what it stands for, if it is not well-funded, it might just end up being a dusty paper on the shelf.

Ifraan Mangera from Rise Mzansi criticized the government’s handling of infrastructure and questioned its ability to manage the NHI.

“Johannesburg has a R24 billion backlog on infrastructure development, so how can we trust the same people to effectively run the NHI, when they are the ones running schemes while hospitals are collapsing?” said Mangera.

Ifraan Mangera (Rise Mzansi)

The dialogue underscored the youth’s desire for visionary and transparent leadership that is capable of addressing the country’s pressing issues and change the state of South Africa.

Lucian Davids, representing the African National Congress (ANC), Youth League, emphasized the need for transparent and effective leaders.

“We need leaders that are transparent and leaders that execute and as the ANC, we will never claim to be perfect, but we try,” said Davids.

He also argued that a coalition government can be challenging, citing political incoherence as one of the major hurdles which is often fueled by the differing ideologies of people in the political arena.

Community Liaison Officer at SALO, Mikateko Phalane, also expressed concern about the sustainability of coalition governments, citing past failures in municipalities.

“I don’t think South Africa is ready for a coalition government. In municipalities where the EFF, DA, and other political parties are working together, it has been a disaster,” said Phalane.

Phalane highlighted issues in Hammanskraal and Tshwane, areas under the DA, where service delivery has been inadequate, with an unending series of electricity challenges, water issues, and cholera cases.

However, the DA denied their incompetence, citing that it is difficult to provide effective service delivery, especially in areas with many people squatting illegally.

Despite many youth leaders expressing concern about the effectiveness of coalition governments, Chad Owens Davids, the Legal Officer for the GOOD Political Party, expressed support and interest in coalition governments. He stated that there is room for a coalition and that his party is willing to join a coalition with a progressive party that truly represents the intents of the people, as these are the core values of his party.