Citizens are fighting for their country’s soul
THE DAGGERS have always been out for Pravin Gordhan. When he was summoned to return back from his investor roadshow overseas there was speculation that he was going to fired as finance minister.
The term rolling on everyone’s tongue recently is “radical economic transformation”, a concept being used as a solution to solve the unemployment crisis.
White monopoly capital is being blamed for the woes South Africa finds itself in. A common statistic is that 90% of the wealth is in the hands of 10% of the population.
Groups such as the ANC Youth League have accused Gordhan of serving and protecting white monopoly capital, but evidence of such claims are lacking. More recently the leader of the ANCYL has gone on to label the former minister an “impimpi” (spy).
The most depressing aspect of our democracy is when the laws are inconsistent. Certain race groups can make racist statements with impunity yet it is forgotten while others are prosecuted and made to pay hefty fines.
It’s an indictment on our constitutional democracy when violence and mayhem are used to intimidate people, more especially respected leaders of our country. One simple rule of thumb is to play the ball and not the man.
The Bible says: “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
However, with corruption engulfing our country, it seems that the truth will expose many in the government involved in dodgy deals. Hence the threats and intimidation.
The Freedom Charter enunciates that the people shall govern. The #ZumaMustFall campaign has caught on like wildfire with thousands calling for President Jacob Zuma to resign. Social commentators say the protests have been the biggest since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
This is a clear indication that the citizens are no longer satisfied with being armchair critics but are mobilising themselves to voice their dissatisfaction against corruption.
Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle was the final straw that jolted people into action.The firing of competent ministers like deputy minister Jonas Mcebisi and Gordhan sent the rand tumbling. Two rating agencies have downgraded South Africa to junk status which has severe repercussions for our economy. South Africa will find it difficult to access foreign capital and among other negatives, the reserve bank might hike interest rates by as much as 2% to protect capital outflows.
The writing is on the wall. The economy is going to be severely affected because of our junk status. We need to brace ourselves as the calls for Zuma to resign as president intensify. This is a fight for the soul of the country and the resounding noise is South Africa is not for sale.
The writing is on the wall. The South African economy is going to be severely affected because of our junk status.