What if Cyril Ramaphosa took a leaf out of the Winston Churchill playbook and dismissed all his cabinet ministers during his State of the Nation Address tonight and appointed an emergency cabinet filled with the country’s best and brightest to tackle the country’s mounting issues.
In World War II, when Nazi Germany was advancing across Europe and threatening to capture Britain as well, Prime Minister Churchill decided to form a war cabinet that consisted of some of the best thinkers in the country and included members of the opposition Labour Party.
At the same time, across the Atlantic Ocean in the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt made sure that captains of industry were placed at the head of crucial government departments to help the war effort.
Corruption, crime, economic stagnation, joblessness, failing government institutions, crippling infrastructure, and mounting debt is just some of the problems that are dragging South Africa close to being labelled a failed state.
But William Gumede argues that if Ramaphosa were to be bold and follow the Churchill-Roosevelt doctrine (for subscribers) by appointing a cabinet made up of opposition party members, the best business minds, scientists, medical professionals and other civil society members he might do the country a great service.
It’s an interesting idea for certain and not entirely without scope and merit but if we know one thing about the president’s leadership style it is this: he is not known for making bold and decisive decisions.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
Mbhazima Shilowa | Measurable targets needed, otherwise SONA is a waste of time – News24 (for subscribers)
Sona 2022: South Africa needs urgent course correction to reinvigorate state’s capacity to run an efficient government – Daily Maverick
Promises kept, or little done? What has Ramaphosa delivered on since his last SONA? – News24 (for subscribers)
EDITORIAL: Xenophobic job curbs are a red herring – Financial Mail
Poverty, inequality and unemployment fuel the anger, bitterness and stoical fatalism of our poor – Daily Maverick
Open Letter to President Thabo Mbeki – Recommitting ourselves to nation building – Mail & Guardian
ROB ROSE: Tiger Brands’s tall tale – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
JAMIE CARR: Shell’s tidal wave of cash – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Image: GCIS
