JABULANI SIKHAKHANE: Politicians remove senior officials to make 1 + 1 = 3
Like Kwasi Kwarteng they like to avoid scrutiny and many do not want to be intellectually eclipsed
The recent economic policy debacle in Britain is a reminder of what happens when a politician removes a head of a department for political reasons and also sidesteps due process. SA has suffered from both in the recent past.
On his first day as chancellor of the exchequer (finance minister), Kwasi Kwarteng sacked Sir Tom Scholar, head of the treasury. Kwarteng’s move came after Prime Minister Liz Truss denounced treasury “orthodoxy” during her campaign for the premiership. A few days later, Kwarteng announced a package of measures to boost the economy, including support for energy bills and abolishing a 45% tax on annual income of more than £150,000...
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.