While my son and I watched the news, he asked if South Africa was ever outside of a recession.
It often seems that we are on the precipice of economic or political chaos. Increasing electricity and food costs suggest our leaders and citizens have no influence on anything.
This includes lowering the price of bread or milk, etc. We are, collectively, like inert passengers on a train to nowhere.
It seems that a few powerful people decide what happens with the global economy. I was convinced of this reality when Liz Truss, the Prime Minister of the UK introduced her economic plan and within a week her new chancellor, the first black one in the history of Britain, was fired. This was a sign that Liz Truss was not in charge. Within that week, noises from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and a few people ensured the prime minister knew her place. When the next chancellor led his plan, Liz Truss sat quiet, like a child that was told to behave. A week later she was history.
Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, thought that buying cheap oil, gas and wheat from Russia to help his nation was good. Some in the US disagreed and within weeks, Imran Khan was history.
President Nelson Mandela was a great man who sacrificed his life for our democracy. He was minimised as many of his main ideas never survived. President Thabo Mbeki was encircled by comrades who sought his downfall. His dream of a “US of Africa” where success and peace reigned was ruined.
President Jacob Zuma was actually honest and did not hide since he revealed before becoming president that he was selfish. President Ramaphosa added limited value as joblessness, crime and violence increased under his watch, and the economy has been struggling like never before.
Perhaps it is time that citizens ask who has real authority in SA. Then, we can speak to these people directly and negotiate a reduction in crime, violence and unemployment.
* Cllr Yagyah Adams, Cape Muslim Congress.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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