South Africa’s economy and investment landscape has taken a beating over the past 18 months. At this point, it’s akin to a first-round knockout from a heavyweight boxer. We’re battered and bruised, from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to the devasting looting and riots in the wake of former president Jacob Zuma’s arrest in July. There isn’t much more we can take.
While President Cyril Ramaphosa finally acted and announced a cabinet reshuffle following the July riots, which saw embattled former health minister Zweli Mkhize finally resign, and Tito Mboweni also vacated his post as finance minister there seems to be more disunity in the cabinet than ever around how the country should best proceed on the economic front.
In Thursday’s Business Day editorial, the newspaper writes at length about the economic policy missteps made by government over the past couple of months.
Just take a gander at this line, “It can’t be said that Ramaphosa has taken the opportunity to show he has a grip on his executive, something that would reduce uncertainty in what has been a turbulent period for businesses weighing up investment decisions.”
Another inditement on the seemingly weakening Ramaphosa presidency.
And while government continues to meander about trying to come to some sort of consensus, it’s the youth population that is suffering the most with unemployment and a lack of job opportunities.
But Sifiso Skenjana & Simphiwe Mahlangu have a positive outlook on what young people are doing to drive the beleaguered South African economy forward.
The duo has written a piece endorsing the proposed Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and how it can be transformed into a three-prong approach with youth at the core of driving the recovery. (for subscribers)
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions and analyses:
Allan Gray: Just do it – Rob Rose, Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Get them jabbed and back on campus, for all our sakes – Jonathan Jansen, Sunday Times Daily
The scar of science I cherish: Why I support a Covid-19 vaccine requirement at UCT (Part One) – Pierre de Vos, Daily Maverick
A president sapped by the ANC, with no policies or priorities – Peter Bruce, Business Day (for subscribers)
ANC leaders have no backbone – Justice Malala, Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Who wants to be Fikile Mbalula when this is what the ANC offers voters? – Pieter du Toit, News24 (for subscribers)
An expense SA can’t afford – Editorial, Financial Mail
Lessons from the July unrest – Communities hold the power not politicians – Qaanitah Hunter, News24 (for subscribers)
