ANC's Reconstruction Plan Costs Estimated at 70 Billion Rand: De Klerk

Strategic Insights -

In a televised debate, the President of South Africa, F.W. de Klerk, forecast that the African National Congress's plan for the reconstruction and development of South Africa would cost 70 billion rand, almost twice the estimate produced by the ANC's economic team. The debate, which was broadcast live by state television, centered on the ANC's spending plans and the accusations of sponsoring the Inkatha Freedom Party. The debate ended on a positive note, with both leaders expressing optimism about co-operation in a government of national unity after the election.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ANC's plan for the reconstruction and development of South Africa is estimated to cost 70 billion rand, according to F.W. de Klerk.
  • The estimate is almost twice the estimate produced by the ANC's economic team.
  • F.W. de Klerk stated that the ANC plans to induce 12,000 MKs (members of the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe) into the defence force.
  • Nelson Mandela accused F.W. de Klerk and his government of sponsoring the Inkatha Freedom Party to the tune of 8 million rand in 1991.
  • Both leaders expressed optimism about co-operation in a government of national unity after the election.
  • Nelson Mandela promised to take a cut in salary if elected President, stating "The days of the fat cats are gone."
  • F.W. de Klerk dismissed the idea of saving enough for the ANC's spending programme by cutting politicians' salaries, stating "you are in for a big surprise."

Statistics:

  • 70 billion rand: estimated cost of the ANC's plan for the reconstruction and development of South Africa.
  • 8 million rand: amount allegedly sponsored by the South African government to the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1991.
  • 12,000: number of MKs (members of the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe) planned to be inducted into the defence force.

Sources:

  • The Times, 1994