I wish to promote a process that recognises that the SA economic and social situation in 2019 is similar to that faced by the US in the early 1930s, including high unemployment, no growth, a despondent youth, dire social challenges and a failing infrastructure.

To combat the problem in the US, the newly elected president, Franklin D Roosevelt, introduced the New Deal. The programme was far-reaching, but essentially sought to put the unemployed to work, albeit on a token wage; restore the dignity of people who had lost their jobs or who may never have been employed; make good use of the wasting asset of unemployed but productive labour; improve and restore a declining infrastructure; and create new assets for the public good. ..

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.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.