CAROL PATON: Disdain for separation of party and state will tie ANC reformists’ hands
After May Ramaphosa will have more scope for battling graft but cadre deployment will remain at work under the surface
A prevalent assumption in the business community is that although President Cyril Ramaphosa is hemmed in right now by his detractors in the ANC, if he is returned with a strong majority come the election in May he will have the political space to implement much bolder, far-reaching reforms. It follows therefore that it is important to support him in the coming election and make sure this becomes a reality. But how much political space will he win? And how bold and far-reaching will these changes really be? The past week was suggestive of the challenges and the constraints. On the upside, Malusi Gigaba was forced to resign as home affairs minister after he was found by the public protector to have lied under oath. He also exposed his vanity and shallowness, which won him few friends among the public. It was a distinctive departure from the ANC norm that an individual resigned for being caught in an act of dishonesty. The revelations on the downside were, however, more profound. ANC s...
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.