SA’s May 29 appointment with history

THE uncertainty of business leaders about economic prospects in the event that a coalition wields power after May 29 obviously hinges on the components of such a coalition (Business Report, May 10).

Coinciding with the uncertainty in business circles are the announcements that the world’s sixth largest bank, BNP Paribas, is closing its corporate and investment services in South Africa. Shell Petroleum giant has also announced its exit from South Africa.

It seems they fear the “doomsday” scenario of which DA leader John Steenhuisen warns. They recognise the risk of investing in a country whose government excels in dysfunctionalism and corruption, expropriates property without compensation, imposes an unaffordable and impractical national health dispensation and demands ever greater empowerment of a black elite.

Tracing the money trail invariably proves enlightening. None of the “doomsday” components appear to lack finance. Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party is said to be enjoy backing from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the ANC is favoured by Iran while the EFF is quiet about its major sources which are enabling it to contest the election in lavish style.

But what those who are withdrawing from South Africa appreciate is the agenda of the financial backers of the prospective ANC, MKP, EFF troika: it’s a new form of colonial exploitation.

South Africa has an appointment with history on May 29: a turning point or a point of no return.

DR DUNCAN DU BOIS |