Can Tito walk fighting talk?

DECISIVE ACTION, PARTNERSHIPS His plans may be scuppered by resistance from in and around the ANC.

payments, government would use over 50% of its total budget to pay interest and its employees.)

But it’s evident that Mboweni wants to tackle problems decisively. As an example, he has already roped in the army to tackle the Vaal River pollution problem. Mboweni used the word “partnerships” on numerous occasions, referring to a closer working relationship with the private sector to increase investment and improve service delivery.

He referred to the N3 and N4 highways as examples where the private sector not only built the infrastructure, but are also the operators. “… we have service-level agreements in place with our private sector partners. These kinds of partnerships will be accelerated.”

Referring to the dire state of stateowned enterprises (SOEs), Mboweni said government should be “open-minded” to equity partnerships and to closing some SOEs that aren’t performing. Does Mboweni have the authority to implement the changes he proposes?

We’ve seen several finance ministers promising to implement urgent reforms, most of which didn’t materialise.

Mboweni clearly has President Cyril Ramaphosa’s support. It remains to be seen whether Ramaphosa has the political authority to back Mboweni all the way.

Mboweni will also face significant resistance from factions in and around the ANC alliance, where the private sector is often seen as an exploitative economic stakeholder. He won’t make friends in Ramaphosa’s extended Cabinet either.

Hopefully he isn’t “corrupted” by party politics. His decisive approach is critically needed to pull our economy back from the precipice.