ANC Polokwane resolutions on poverty, education & health care

Briefing by ACESS (Alliance for Children's Entitlement to Social Security) on the ANC conference resolutions of Dec 2007, taken in Polokwane, on grants, free education and improved health care. Among others it recommended extension of the Child Support Grant to cover all children under 18 years old.

                                                                                                            3 March 2008

Dear ACESS members and friends,

Re: ANC National Executive Committee Polokwane Policy Resolutions

The African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party in South Africa, had its National Conference in Polokwane in December 2007. The resolutions from the commission are summarised below in view of confronting the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment. The conference recognised the need to develop a state which empowers and also provides security for the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society therefore it was agreed on a comprehensive social security network which will be able to provide a targeted approach to poverty alleviation.

Grants

The conference suggested that `social grants should be linked to economic activity and that a mandatory system of retirement funds, including one that covers low-income groups should be established`. It also suggested that the age of eligibility of child care grants be extended to the age of 18 and pension age be set at 60 for both men and women. Child-headed households are being recognised as a group in need care and protection.

Education

Improving access to education through the introduction of free education for the poor up to undergraduate level was identified as an important step towards the alleviation of poverty and a target was set for expanding no fee schools to 60% by 2009. It was resolved that a comprehensive strategy on early childhood development needs to be developed and implemented.

Health care

Access to health care remained a concern along with the lack of resources, therefore the conference reiterated the need to strengthen the public health care system and provide the National Health Insurance System with an adequate provision of funding and where necessary, subsidising the high cost of health provision. The conference recommended that the ANC investigate the likelihood of a state-owned pharmaceutical company to reduce the high prices of medicines. It was suggested that a plan be developed to ensure adequate human resources in terms of recruitment and retention of sufficient health professionals whilst also expanding the role of comprehensive health care to incorporate the provision of antiretroviral (ARVs). The conference agreed to provide a reliable single health information system and to improve HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention strategies targeted at the youth.

For further information or clarity please contact the national office or go directly to http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/conf/conference52/resolutions-f.html

Kind Regards,

Karen Allan

• ACESS Programme Co-ordinator
• Tel: 021 761 0117
• Fax: 021 761 4938
• E-mail: karen@acess.org.za