Let’s replace dependency syndrome
Madam,
African politicians have given a wrong impression to their electorates since the first wave of independence in the 1960s – that governments would create and maximise employment opportunities for their citizens.
Many politicians in Africa, including in the country, thrive due to lack of voter education, high levels of illiteracy and a lack of education on governance and democracy. As we wait for things to improve in the country, it is of paramount importance to remind all those who are eligible to vote that government exists to create a conducive environment to attract investments, which will, in turn, employ people and offer business deals to local entrepreneurs.
It is also important to discourage people from deepening their dependence on the State, as it is not sustainable at all, it is costly for government and it does not alleviate poverty as it intends to do. We keep on hearing politicians misleading potential voters, who are desperately looking for employment, that they intend to create jobs and business opportunities for them.
TANGIBLE AND WORKABLE
The truth of the matter is that most of the politicians do not have a tangible and workable plan on how those jobs are going to be created. The only plan that we all can see is to kick out the corrupt. My intuition and instincts inform me that there won’t be much developmental transformation in the communities that desperately want to see change in their lives.
The electorate is tired of empty promises since time immemorial. Many do not see the reason for participating in elections, yet it remains the only democratic tool to employ to remove corrupt politicians.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa made honest senti
ments during his sixth State of the Nation Address last year when he said: “We all know that the government does not create jobs. Businesses create jobs.” Whether you like him or not, Ramaphosa was right when he reminded South Africans that government does not exist to employ people.
EMPLOY ITS CITIZENS
There is no government around the world whose job is to employ its citizens. However, the government has to make sure that it makes the environment desirable for the country to be an investment destination.
Ramaphosa was wrongly ridiculed for stating that the government is not an employment agency, that is the nature of many Africans, as we are just not ready to listen to the facts. We prefer to be lied to. Our government should help to empower the powerless. That can be done through allowing active involvement and participation of everyone in the economy.
Kenneth M