INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Diplomacy is in a time warp when economy needs all hands on deck
The department fails to position nation so that its businesses can fully benefit in a world of cut-throat mercantilism
Hardly any aspect of SA’s national existence causes deeper concern than the parlous state of its economy and the perilous consequences that may follow. With domestic demands spiralling and policies failing, the country may soon run on empty. Of urgent importance is dealing with the vast discrepancy between economic inputs and outputs, the escalating demand overload exacerbated by a capacity deficiency and inept policy making. A hopeful sign was that in his first message to the nation, newly elected ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa committed himself to fixing SA’s shattered economy as a first priority. The early favourable market reaction to his election is positive but will dissipate soon in the absence of implementation of workable plans and sustained progress. Ramaphosa will face a daunting task in an environment stunted by a plundered economy, a deeply divided ANC, rampant corruption and forbidding ideological prejudices. In the absence of brave reforms, this leaves scant hope for t...
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