Leaders have lost touch with reality

THE ignorance displayed by diehard supporters of President Jacob Zuma in a private chat group which emerged yesterday is nothing less than astonishing.

It is of great concern that leaders who occupy positions which influence the direction of our economy could hold such callous views as those shared in a WhatsApp group conversation revealed by the Sunday Times.

The Black Empowerment Foundation group, administered by Zuma’s son Edward, includes cabinet ministers Nomvula Mokonyane, Ayanda Dlodlo and business people known to be allies of the president.

The conversations therein give curious, behind the scenes context to some of the political events that have gripped our nation in recent weeks.

For example, that the group was discussing the firing of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan hours before it was announced perhaps comes as no surprise.

If anything, the triumphant mood of the discussions further cements the belief that the decision to fire Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, was part of a well-orchestrated political plot by those who had an interest in seeing the two out of the Treasury.

Second, in response to news of the downgrade by rating agencies, Mokonyane told the group: “It’s actually better Western investors will pull back and we have an opportunity to bring them back [on] our own terms.”

Black Business Council president Danisa Baloyi said: “Who really cares? Many South Africans do not have billions in the stock exchange.”

Not only is this narrative disturbing, it shows breathtaking ignorance of how our economy works.

At best, it is completely blinded to the devastating financial ripple effect of reckless political decisions, especially on the poor and working class for whom these leaders claim to speak.

At worst, it shows leaders so deep in the feeding trough that they have lost touch with reality.