South Africa's Economic Despair Under ANC Rule: A Call for Urgent Reform

 

Since the end of apartheid, South Africa's unemployment rate has risen to 33%, the highest in the world, highlighting the ANC's failure to foster economic growth and create jobs. Urgent reforms are needed to reverse South Africa's decline, including labor law adjustments, improved transport efficiency, property rights for millions, and private management of failing state schools. 

In 1994, South Africa's transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy was a beacon of hope and change, marked by the election of Nelson Mandela as the country's first black president. However, the current state of the nation under the African National Congress (ANC) presents a stark contrast to those jubilant scenes. As South Africa faces another pivotal election on May 29th, it is clear that the country urgently needs an alternative to the decline it has experienced under ANC rule.

The ANC's rule has been characterized by economic stagnation and a failure to deliver on the promises of a better life for all. Since the end of apartheid, South Africa's economy has struggled to grow at a sustainable rate. The unemployment rate, currently at 33%, is the highest in the world and has been rising by about half a percentage point annually since 1994. This alarming statistic underscores the ANC's inability to create jobs and foster economic growth. Moreover, the country's GDP per capita is lower than it was 15 years ago, highlighting a prolonged period of economic decline.

Corruption within the ANC has further exacerbated the country's woes. The era of "state capture" under former President Jacob Zuma epitomized the depths of corruption within the party. Despite current President Cyril Ramaphosa's efforts to implement reforms, his tenure has been marred by a failure to decisively address corruption within his party. Ramaphosa's reluctance to confront corrupt party figures has allowed the culture of graft to persist, undermining public trust in the government and its institutions.

The consequences of poor governance extend beyond the economy. Rampant crime and failing public services have become a daily reality for many South Africans. The World Bank estimates that crime reduces South Africa's GDP by at least 10%, illustrating the profound impact of insecurity on the nation's economic prospects. Public services, from healthcare to education, have deteriorated, leaving many South Africans without access to basic necessities.

As the ANC's popularity declines, polls suggest that it may fail to secure a majority in the upcoming election, potentially forcing it to form a coalition. The best option for South Africa would be a coalition between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA), a moderate, liberal party with a track record of effective local governance. However, this outcome seems unlikely unless the ANC faces a disastrous electoral result. Instead, there is a real risk that the ANC may form a coalition with extremist offshoots like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which advocate for radical policies such as land nationalization and could further destabilize the country.

To reverse its decline, South Africa needs urgent reforms across several areas. The country's labor laws, which make it expensive to hire and difficult to fire workers, need to be reformed to encourage job creation. Additionally, improving the cost and efficiency of transport, which currently accounts for more than half of low-wage workers' net pay, would make employment more accessible. Granting title deeds to millions of South Africans who lack property rights would provide them with dignity and economic assets. Furthermore, allowing private chains to manage failing state schools could improve educational outcomes, particularly for the 80% of ten-year-olds who currently cannot understand what they read.

Saving South Africa is not only about implementing clever policies but also about winning elections. The moderate opposition parties need to present a bold new vision that appeals to the black majority, demonstrating how economic growth and better governance can benefit all South Africans. Civil society, a feisty press, and an independent judiciary will also play crucial roles in holding the government accountable and pushing for necessary reforms.

As South Africa approaches the critical election on May 29th, it stands at a crossroads. The ANC's track record of economic stagnation, rampant corruption, and failing public services highlights the urgent need for an alternative path. The next five years will be crucial in determining whether South Africa can reverse its decline and fulfill the promise of a better future for all its citizens. By embracing meaningful reforms and fostering a strong, accountable opposition, South Africa can once again inspire the world by showing that a failing democracy can redeem itself.