Bid to recoup stolen billions is good news

establishment of a special tribunal to fast-track the recovery of the billions lost in shady state contracts, with personal accountability for looters, could certainly have come sooner for our vastly unequal society.

A belated commitment to rooting out corruption in all its manifestations across public life over the past few months has shown how some elected officials and the politically connected have for years used their positions to loot rather than uplift.

This has taken place against a fiscal backdrop where more than sufficient revenue has been allocated to address inequality, but a lack of accountability and deep-seated corruption meant that we have wasted the opportunity.

As gloomy as circumstances are, there are still ways to stimulate economic growth without pushing the country further into the red.

We now have to work harder, smarter and together if we want to increase our levels of growth.

More importantly, we have no other option but to focus on inclusive growth that creates a virtuous circle which does not require vast capital injections we simply do not have.

In this respect, the greatest driver of inclusive growth is entrepreneurship and we need to do everything we can to encourage entrepreneurs, grow small businesses and simplify jobseekers’ access to the workplace in every sector of the economy.

By creating an environment based on trust, accountability and confidence that makes it easier for businesses and people to operate, we can break out of this low-growth cycle and develop an economy that is dynamic and equitable. ADAM CRAKER | Joburg