STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
Don’t expect to hear much about the reality of SA’s debt and low growth
Jacob Zuma and his clique are ever more fervent in their belief the state will provide even as they prove it cannot, writes Tony Leon
Ken Clarke, the veteran Tory grandee in the historic House of Commons vote triggering Brexit, drew on Lewis Caroll’s fantasy tale to frame his dissent. The former chancellor of the exchequer and Europhile scoffed at his government’s claims that a world of choices and riches awaits Britain outside the embrace of the EU. Comparing Prime Minister Theresa May to Alice in Wonderland, he sneered: "Apparently you follow the rabbit down the hole and emerge in a wonderland where countries are queuing up to give us trading advantages and access to markets that previously we have never been able to achieve.... No doubt there is somewhere a Hatter holding a tea party with a dormouse." A similar lens of fantasy will be useful to view proceedings in our own Parliament when President Jacob Zuma presents his state of the nation address on Thursday, followed 13 days later by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget. But before looking for the rabbit holes that are likely to be conjured up on Thursda...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.