Mess is not all ANC’s doing – Mkhize
Privates sector is stalling real change
It is not only the ANC that should take responsibility for the ailing economy but business must also take the blame.
This is according to ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, who said there had been policies for business to invest in black talent but that has happened at a slow pace, hence the introduction of radical economic transformation.
“This will help in fixing the economy. We need to change ownership patterns and the mindset so that business can invest in black talent.
“The economy has to be inclusive. Radical economic transformation is not linked to corruption and it also has nothing to do with the Gupta family, it is not for them,” said Mkhize.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Sowetan this week, Mkhize said the ANC does not condone corruption, hence the decision that President Jacob Zuma should establish a judicial commission of inquiry into “state capture”.
“The ANC is not captured. If there are leaders alleged to be in inappropriate relations with the Gupta family, the matter must be investigated. We cannot protect inappropriate relationships,” he said.
Mkhize was referring to the leaked e-mails that revealed how some senior ANC leaders serving in government, including ministers, were taking orders from the Gupta family.
“This is not a good story for the ANC but the allegations have to be tested. The e-mails are teaching us that as politicians we have to define new limits with business.
“Two years ago, no one spoke about state capture, it is a new term. We really want to see the matter put to rest through a commission,” Mkhize said.
He said the ANC was going to take a different approach to empowering those that remain disadvantaged and that would form part of their discussion at the upcoming policy conference at the end of the month.
He admitted that ANC had good policies but its government had not implemented some of them.
“[It’s} not correct to say nothing has happened in the past 23 years, however, now we have to take stock,” he said.
“There are great achievements under the ANC. We have delivered on political stability, houses, water and electricity. We now have to look at what is still outstanding, especially economic transformation.”