If SA wants to avoid the well-worn path towards economic misery and political devastation that bedevils much of our continent, truths must be told. Feelings must not be spared. Lies must be exposed. Hypocrisies must be called out. Charlatans and populists must be told: "We see you. We recognise your kind. We will not allow you to drag us down because of your desire for power and personal financial gain."

There is a tendency to sugar-coat the truth about SA in the name of patriotism. By all means enumerate our many positive aspects. It is not helpful, however, to lie to ourselves when we veer off the democratic path that we have promised to follow. That route leads to ruin...

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.