South Africa in need of bold reforms

THE visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to South Africa should inspire President Cyril Ramaphosa to be fearless in his quest to introduce radical economic and political reforms that will solve the country’s current economic meltdown.

In his opening remarks at the official talks with Ahmed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramaphosa praised him for introducing “a host of successful political and social reforms” for the East African nation.

The bold reforms include the promotion of gender equality, the release of political prisoners and journalists, the resolution of the situation in Eritrea and a commitment to holding national elections later this year.

South Africa’s economic and political challenges are well known, and Ramaphosa’s ascendancy to the Presidency gave renewed hope that the country would finally turn the corner.

However, the worsening Eskom power crisis and the inability of the National Prosecuting Authority to deal decisively with politicians implicated in acts of corruption revealed by the State Capture Inquiry, has made people lose hope.

Unfortunately, Ramaphosa’s speech at the 108th ANC birthday celebrations in Kimberley at the weekend did very little to make the nation believe again.

We hope that Ramaphosa will, after meeting the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, be inspired to finally make bold economic and political reforms for the sake of the country.

As Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said last week: “If you cannot effect deep structural economic reforms, then game over! Stay as you are and you are downgraded to junk status.”

It is clear that tough decisions have to be made, and we hope Ramaphosa has exchanged notes with his Ethiopian counterpart.