African tragedy in the making

The Brics summit has provided some optimism for SA, but, had the ANC government understood economics, it would have hit the road running from the first day of its rule.

It was obvious that our skills development programme should have continued, helping to increase our manufacturing capacity and maintaining our position as the “boiler room” of the continent.

Our education system is substandard; we are unprepared for the challenges of the new age.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has warned that the demands of the digital age are advancing at pace, yet the best we can offer is the begging bowl.

But alas, the ANC proved it was illequipped to govern, and, after 24 years of its misrule, we have high unemployment, a failing national airline, Eskom and other state-owned enterprises in dire straits, 90% of our municipalities moribund and our sovereign debt soon to reach 60% of GDP.

The interest on our loans equates to R40m a day.

The government should realise that rather than borrow, it would be better to stabilise the country. Make it an attractive destination for outside investors who bring with them the know-how, add collateral benefits, give opportunity to small businesses that will ease unemployment, and generally improve living conditions.

But as long as the ruling party is held hostage by socialist ideals and the unions — even the taxi industry — we will remain in the doldrums and soon become another African tragedy. Ted O’Connor, Johannesburg