GARETH VAN ONSELEN: Sycophancy and the rise of the expert
All it takes for the ANC to respect and listen to evidence-based science and the people who deliver it is a deadly and global pandemic
This great age of rationality is quite something to behold. It’s temporary — born of crisis and a desperate desire for facts and reason, as a refuge against uncertainty and fear – and as soon as the fear goes, irrationality will return. It’s unnatural, is what it is. To care about science and evidence. But a welcome change none the less.
Accompanying this transitory appreciation for the truth, has been the rise of the expert. Those people, normally hidden, derided or maligned by the ANC government have come to dominate public debate and policy. Even the ANC, a party which has made disdain for third-party expertise part of its dogma, seems today to rely heavily on the guidance of experts...
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.