Freedom Front Local Government Elections Manifesto - 1995

The Freedom Front's 10 Point Plan For Local Government:

  1. Equal payment for equal services by all
  2. Affordable rates and taxes
  3. Improved safety and security
  4. Representation at all tiers of government
  5. Community Councils for a voice in your own affairs
  6. Improved bargaining power for self-determination
  7. Effective financial management and control
  8. Maintenance of standards
  9. Economic growth and development
  10. Promotion of Christian and family values

Your Way To A Better Future

1. Why does the FF run in the coming local elections?

The Freedom Front aims at gaining a voice for all three tiers of government. The Freedom Front is already represented in the national and provincial parliaments. After the local elections, the FF will be able to handle the interests of the voter at all tiers of government. Thus the more voters support the FF in November, the stronger the party will be able to negotiate on their behalf.

The FF is convinced that our people's cause can be best served through constructive participation. For this reason the FF's policy for local government is aimed at finding solutions, and through our representation on the Councils we will be able to see to it that our people's interests are attended to.

2. Why is local government important? Does it really affect our lives?

Local government is the tier of government which most affects your life. It is the tier of government closest to you as voter. A local government decision can cause you to pay more for services, can affect the value of your property, and can determinedly change your city or town.

In the coming new dispensation where different towns are grouped together to form one Transitional Council, local government will even grow in importance.

3. Will my vote really be of any use at local government level?

A Freedom Front city councillor will have direct access to the provincial and national tiers of government by way of the party's members of parliament. For this reason the problems of the electorate will, as a matter of course, be dealt with at the highest level.

A resident, you are paying for services such as water and electricity. By voting you can gain a voice in decisions regarding the application of your money. By voting you are adding to the Freedom front's bargaining power to carry through a policy to your benefit. It is critical that sufficient Freedom Front disposed councillors be elected to ensure that taxes and service rates are kept within reasonable limits.

If you do not vote, the ANC may attain a two-thirds majority which will enable them to increase rates and taxes at will, to the detriment of our people.

4. What is the Freedom Front's policy on local government?

General services:
General services such as water supply, electricity, sewerage and roads must be controlled by a co-ordinating body such as the present transitional councils. Participation in these bodies must be voluntarily and they may not interfere with the powers of local authorities.

Community Councils:
All community affairs must be controlled by Community Councils which the Freedom Front intends to establish in communities. this plan is aimed at giving our people more comprehensive say in their own affairs, such as education, culture and health.

These councils must also be responsible for all other community functions such as art, care for the aged and libraries, and will be elected by members of the relevant in the area.

The FF is presently negotiating with the government to recognise these councils in certain legislation. As an interim measure, local authorities will have to recognise Community Councils, just as they are presently recognising numerous other bodies controlling specific interests. Such a council will function like any other committee of a local authority.

This model functions very well in countries with population compositions comparable to that of South Africa, such as Belgium where it was instituted for the Flemish and french speaking communities.

Rates and taxes:
The party stands for payment for services by all. This must be effected according to uniform tax and rate tariffs. The practice of letting one part of the community pay for services, while another part simply does not pay without any consequences, is regarded as extremely unfair.

The loyal taxpayers, who have been honouring their commitment for many years, simply cannot afford to subsidise other groups any more. Affordable rates and taxes must be pursued by placing restrictions on luxuries and unnecessary expenses.

Safety & Security:
Freedom Front Councillors will exert themselves for a safe and ordered community policing, the application of the law, emergency services and information programmes. Co-operation with the police will be a priority.

Financial management:
The FF stands for effective financial management and control of municipal finances, as well as regular feedback to taxpayers.

Standards:
The Freedom Front believes in the maintenance and advancement of standards in all spheres of local government. Appointment and promotion of staff on merit. No reverse discrimination due to "affirmative action".

Christian and family values:
The party's councillors will promote Christian and family values.

Economic development:
The FF will promote economic growth and development by actively promoting investment. if necessary, unaffordable municipal services should be privatised.

Special attention will also be given to the development of the small business sector. Tax concessions will be granted to ventures which create jobs. This will curb unemployment and benefit people who are unable to find jobs due to affirmative action.

Conservation plan:
Nature conservation, pollution control and the conservation of historic memorabilia will form part of the FF's conservation plans.

5. How does the FF envisage the future systems of local authorities?

The system agreed upon by the NP and the ANC means that, after 1 november, the ANC will control nearly every town in the Country. The FF's plan offers a solution for people who are committed to self-determination and an own community life. The FF has a practical and attainable plan to protect your interests.