Better economy does nothing for citizens

MOELETSI Mbeki conveniently chastises business leaders who joined the CEO Initiative as opportunists and blames the ANC — and business, for allowing its policies to go unchallenged — for South Africa’s economic woes, “Zuma just a convenient whipping boy” (October 9).

Mbeki is coy in enumerating the policies of the ANC that need to have been challenged by business. This omission is serious because it doesn’t allow readers to sufficiently evaluate his argument.

The ANC’s policies are generally progressive and in favour of the majority of historically disadvantaged black people, and Africans in particular. Perhaps their implementation may be problematic.

Mbeki says nothing about the fact that the government has incentivised business to create jobs by subsidising it.

Nothing of substance has been forthcoming in this regard. Instead, we are witnessing retrenchments more frequently than ever. He also says nothing about the alleged illicit financial outflows by mainly business.

Even when the economy is said to be doing well, the lot of the majority of the citizenry remains the same. Patriotism becomes relevant only when the so-called global economy is in an inherent crisis. — Joseph B Gumbi, Maritzburg

THE averments by Moeletsi Mbeki are interesting, bold and refreshing.

To have an all-round assessment of the political situation, perhaps one should add that the problem is the entire ANC-led liberation alliance.

Fundamental to the crisis of the ANC is a lack of ethical servant leadership.

President Jacob Zuma epitomises the moral decay of the ANC. His continued presence at the helm of the state emasculates the ability of the leadership collective in its entirety.

To turn the tide against corruption, revolutionaries must ascend to power and implement revolutionary policies. A lifestyle audit of all public officials since the dawn of democracy must be conducted to rediscover the moral compass of the ANC. All ill-gotten wealth must be returned to the people.

A genuine mixed economy that gives the state commanding heights must be implemented.

The litmus test of viable economic policies lies in closing the gap between the haves and the have-nots on the basis of full employment. — Mzukisi Gaba, by e-mail