Extract The end of an uninspiring and seemingly interminable election campaign is finally in sight. Once the election is behind us, critical issues that were held in abeyance can hopefully be dealt with. The campaign hoopla has pushed aside pledges made previously that already ought to be in the process of implementation. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced “urgent” measures in September as part of his economic stimulus package, and there were further commitments in the February state of the nation address (Sona). Instead of pushing ahead with issues such as the licensing of radio frequency spectrum and the promised aggressive infrastructure roll-out, the government has been in a holding pattern over the election period. Because parliament rose early to allow MPs to campaign, the Treasury’s Appropriation Bill was not passed. Budget allocations will therefore only be disbursed after the new parliament is constituted. The ANC has also been prevaricating on essential measures needed ...

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