Pretoria - The African National Congress has in the last 20 years laid a foundation for the country's future successes, party NEC member Thoko Didiza said on Monday.
“When we look back we can say yes, we have not completed the agenda of transformation, but have laid the foundation,” she said during an elections debate by leaders of various political parties at Unisa.
South Africa's negotiation process before 1994 enabled everyone to engage with each other.
“History is very important when we reflect on this journey of 20 years...1994 saw South Africans agreeing on a broad agenda to take the country forward.”
The Democratic Alliance, UDM, ACDP, and Cope agreed with Didiza that the country is a better place compared to pre-1994, but that more needed to be done.
“While others enjoy the fruits of democracy and freedom, the majority is still suffering,” said DA Gauteng premier candidate Mmusi Maimane.
Black people are landless and unemployment was growing.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said South Africa was becoming more of a welfare state than a developmental one.
“There is a heavy reliance on social grants...most South Africans do not have a good story to tell.”
Joan Downs, of the ACDP, said lack of access to education takes the country backwards.
“We acknowledge that the health system has improved, but access to education is still limited to a minority 1/8of 3/8 white people.”
Sapa