President should see 2023 as an opportunity to make the right decisions and demonstrate greater urgency
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who must have heaved a sigh of relief at his re-election for a second term as ANC president, doesn’t have the luxury of time to tinker with solutions for a wobbly economy facing significant structural challenges.
But it has not been all gloom. The economy grew 1.6% in the third quarter, due largely to the contribution of key sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Unemployment slowed, though slightly. Some retail, vehicle manufacturing and ICT companies have been announcing big ticket investments, a sign of improved investor confidence in the economy.
These things complained of shouldn’t be happening, given Ramaphosa’s repeated commitments and pledges to be consultative and inclusive in government’s approach to solving problems. But promises can be hollow if not followed up by practical solutions or implementation. And this is what has been happening.
Ramaphosa will be judged by the team he chooses and results they produce. He doesn’t have the luxury of time, nor much political space to go on tinkering with solutions. He faces an unenviable yet perfect opportunity to cement his leadership and create a legacy that will live beyond his second term as president of the country, assuming the ANC has a parliamentary majority after the 2024 general election.
To move forward, the government must immediately address the crippling power crisis with Eskom implementing the worst rolling blackouts since 2008, and no immediate signs of improving. Eskom admits that forced daily power cuts will continue for the next six to 12 months, if not longer, before there is any relief.
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