The Economist backs Cyril Ramaphosa in May 8 vote as the ‘honest reformer’
The Economist, one of the world’s top business publications, has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa to stay in the Union Buildings after the May 8 elections, saying a strong showing by the ANC would weaken populists within its ranks and enable him to pursue reforms. In a special report on SA, the newspaper, which was established in 1843 and espouses economic liberalism and free trade, described Ramaphosa as an “honest reformer” and the country's best chance to get back on track after the “wasted years” of Jacob Zuma’s presidency, echoing a term that Ramaphosa himself has used to differentiate himself from his predecessor. Endorsement from the publication is a boost for Ramaphosa because its readership include the potential investors from whom he is seeking to raise $100bn (R1.4 trillion) as part of his pledge to revive the economy and make inroads against an unemployment rate of more than 27%. An investment conference he hosted in October 2018 attracted more than 1,000 delegates. Next month’s...
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