If the term ‘crisis riddled’ were to be used to describe any country in the world right now, it would perfectly describe South Africa; and perhaps still won’t do justice to the situation.
South Africa is drowning in its problems, and there seems to be no anchor to save it. Unemployment is at an all-time high, electricity is worsening by the day, and the citizens are losing every atom of hope in the government.
Despite the implementation of the mandate of Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, which is the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), there is not much progress to be accounted for, making the mandate of the President seem like nothing but an empty promise meant to hoodwink the people into sacrificing their futures.
Where do we start? The fact that doing business in South Africa is becoming all the more difficult and stifling for locals, and even worse for foreigners is a genuine cause for concern.
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The country is still reeling from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that made many jobless, crushed the hopes of many, and dug a deep hole in the pockets of the citizens and the government likewise.
Then, the unrest of July 2021 which led to the death of over 350 people amid riots and looting in the eastern province of Kwazulu-Natal country and Johannesburg reflected not only the rejection of the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma but also spoke loudly about the heated and tense social and economic climate.
The continuous, sustained, and worsening load shedding calls for an honest look into the government’s effort toward electricity, especially at a time when even developing and underdeveloped countries are making things work with their electricity.
The more Ramaphosa struggles and fails to provide the country with stable and affordable electricity, the more South Africa’s economy suffers. And not only that, the livelihood of South Africans takes an even deeper nosedive. The health sector is also disrupted by load shedding, and this continued threat might not only hinder the progress of the country but also take its development many years backward.
If the term ‘crisis riddled’ were to be used to describe any country in the world right now, it would perfectly describe South Africa
Shall we talk about how poverty has become the order of the day, and inequality continues to thrive in the already divided country? If the people are poor and wretched, what can a President mean say he has achieved? If the same quality of education isn’t applied to all citizens, isn’t the country being set up for a class system that could only harm?
If the citizens of South Africa have to fight for scarce and meagre resources and even hate their fellow citizens for this reason, then the failure of Ramaphosa is indeed a mighty one.
We can go on and on and talk about the problems facing South Africa, but this is a call to Cyril Ramaphosa to sit up and try achieving something worth recognition with the rest of his tenure.
But the million-dollar question is; with the myriad of problems threatening to choke the life out of the country, where does he start?
The government must take critical actions now, first, as it concerns sustaining the economy and working towards recovery from all angles.
Another challenge directly affecting South Africans that needs to be handled is rising unemployment. There is a need to leverage transformation and inclusive growth to reduce unemployment to its barest minimum.
The fight against hunger and poverty must not stop but must become more transparent and strategic to ensure that even the poorest households have the basic amenities and the ability to participate in the economy and reap its benefits.
Ramaphosa doesn’t need to be told that infrastructural development in itself has positive impacts on all areas of the society and country. With the presence of good roads, water, energy, and other infrastructural developments, citizens don’t only have what it takes to live a comfortable life, but can also improve their economic well-being with their own efforts.
Corruption is also another killer that the president either turned his eyes away from or has been struggling to handle. Corruption must be knocked many steps down its currently elevated position, and crime should go with it.
South Africa’s government can’t do alone so it needs to work with different organisations, agencies, and even international bodies to make sure South Africans live the life they want.
As much as Ramaphosa ought to hit the ground running, we must admit that he cannot concentrate on all these projects at the same time. Therefore, it is important to begin, not with just any programs and projects, but that which can deliver value and impact and positively affect other sectors of society.
The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan of Ramaphosa’s administration must stop being just a beautiful idea that never gets to see the light of day. All that had been agreed upon since October 2020 should be implemented. The proposed implementations should be tested and monitored to be sure that the nation reaps the full benefit of the program
Ramaphosa needs to come out of his office or hideout spot and address the nation. Look at the progress made so far, become reminded of the process, and set up plans in line with the SONA 2022.
Experts and observers will agree on one thing; what South Africa needs isn’t new plans, but the will and honesty of the government of the day are more than necessary to see the existing plans come to fruition.
Ramaphosa needs to be honest with himself and his government, and wake up from his self-destructive slumber. He needs to save the people and the nation, and he needs to do it quickly. No more dillydallying or playing to the gallery as far as South Africa’s president is ready to do the right things. Ramaphosa must accept his failings unashamedly and right them now if he wishes to save South Africa.
