Transparency Defies A Positive Narrative On SA

The Mercury’s editorial suggestion (March 10) that the government embark on a narrative to counter “lies” about South Africa by highlighting its achievements is a non-starter because transparency defies the projection of a positive narrative.

Citing the legacy of Nelson Mandela as a beacon of hope and reconciliation is rhetoric which is not reflected in the ANC’s intended National Democratic Revolution. As long as the intention of the Marxist so-called Freedom Charter concerning state ownership of all land, resources, industry and banks is being pursued piecemeal and by sleight of hand, it is fake news to proclaim that all is well.

Awareness of what the ANC has not achieved is widespread thanks to the information highway called the internet. Once a leading world airline, SAA is bankrupt. Once the supplier of the cheapest electricity, Eskom is bankrupt and unable to supply power consistently. Once having the most efficient and extensive rail network, today it is largely in ruins.

Instead, South Africa leads in having the highest unemployment rate in the world and being among the worst in terms of crime, rape and murder. The majority of its municipalities are bankrupt and unable to deliver basic services consistently.

If all were rosy, then we would not have 142 racially discriminatory laws and regulations. We would not have almost zero economic growth. We would not have demagogues like Malema vowing to murder whites and destroy food-producing farms. We would not have corruption and lawlessness, which extends from the presidency down to the local police station.

In 30 years, the ANC has reduced South Africa to a failed state status. Time to acknowledge that is way overdue. Trying to divert attention from this glaring failure fools nobody. Some tough medicine from the Trump Administration is what is needed to liberate South Africa from the ANC.