DA: Load shedding evidence of SA's 'downward trajectory'

DA: Load shedding evidence of SA's 'downward trajectory'

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid out arguments the country is on a downward trajectory. 

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The opposition party on Monday presented its alternative national budget ahead of Wednesday's official one by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. 


DA Shadow Finance Minister Dion George says one factor is the decline in employment.


"The number of employed people dropped from 16.3 million in 2019 to 14.1 million in 2022, essentially wiping out more than a decade's progress on job creation. 


"By the third quarter of 2022, the number of people with jobs had only recovered to 15.8 million still below the level of 16.3 million recorded in pre-Covid 2019." 


READ: Taxes, govt spending to take centre stage in Godongwana budget – economist


George says the electricity crisis is more evidence of a downward spiral.


He says under the DA's plan, South Africans would be incentivised for going off the grid.


"The Democratic Alliance has put forward the proposal for an emergency solar rebate programme to incentivise the installation of solar systems at residential properties.


"The programme, with the duration of three years, aims to address the current energy crisis and would operate as follows: Tax rebates in the form of a 100% deduction for the cost of installed solar equipment along with other items that incentivise independence from Eskom capped at R100 000."

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