62% FOR THE JOB SO FAR

well — though he would certainly now be losing further marks for the botched handling of the Bosasa contract with his son, Andile, that emerged recently. Other than that, it has been green lights all the way.

● Providing policy cohesion and strategic direction — is the government facing and making the tough choices? Score: 65%.

Amber has been the predominant colour on policy and strategic direction over the past year, demonstrating the delicate balancing act Ramaphosa has had to perform. He has had to pursue some much-needed policy reform while not antagonising his main opponents within the ANC. Significant compromises have had to be made on land reform and the mining charter. But key governance and accountability legislation has been signed by Ramaphosa in the past year, including the Political Party Funding Act that will require parties to disclose private donors, and the Public Audit Amendment Act, giving the auditor-general more teeth in cases of irregular public-sector expenditure.

● Managing competing interests from stakeholders within and outside the government — does the president have enough support for his reform agenda? Score: 50%.

There are 10 amber lights out of 10 for this indicator over the past year, and it’s easy to see why. Ramaphosa has failed to convince large sections of the labour force of the longterm advantages of his reform programme. Assuming the ANC wins the election, the president will have to turn these lights green rapidly if his reform agenda and prospects for economic growth are to have longer-term credibility. Come winter, with an election victory behind him, Ramaphosa may have to face

What it means:

Not a bad record considering the drawbacks Ramaphosa faces