Big decisions at ANC conference may be just a lot of hot air
Fine words and political will don’t necessarily mean ideas will be implemented, writes Theto Mahlakoana
The ANC is under pressure to produce policies to change the downward trajectory of SA’s economy. This is the same challenge it faced at its national conference in 2012. Back then, the writing was already on the wall that unless the governing party changed its approach to how it managed the economy, its fortunes would continue to dwindle. As its leaders and members gather in Nasrec this week to choose the party’s future leaders, debates on policy have taken the back seat.
The economy is stagnating, with poverty on the increase for the first time since 1994 and inequality widening. Investors, market pundits and ratings agencies lay the blame for this on the government’s doorstep. Nonetheless, delegates to the 54th ANC conference will make important decisions on several issues that will have serious implications for how the economy fares. These include the emotional and racially-fuelled subjects of land restitution, radical social and economic transformation and the transformatio...
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.