ANC’s economic failures opened door to populist politicians – Kubayi

Kubayi was speaking at a Progressive Business Forum dialogue at Inanda Club in Sandton on Thursday.

The forum discussed the governing party’s policy discussion documents as part of preparations for its upcoming policy conference.

The conference is set to be held in July.

Kubayi said the violent protests throughout the country are fuelled by the failure of the ANC-led government to deliver on its promises.

“South Africa’s fault lines have a distinct class, racial, gender, geographic and age dimension. They disproportionately affect black people, women, rural communities, youth and persons with disabilities.

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“The failure to deliver on the promise of a more equal and prosperous economy for most South Africans has led to widespread anger and disillusionment with democratic processes. It opens the door to authoritarian and populist politicians who promise easy solutions that range from mobilisation of the poor against foreign nationals to criminal looting of businesses.”

“It has given rise to crime and violent protest at a considerable cost to the economy and society.”

Kubayi said the ANC is under no illusion as to the magnitude of the economic challenges facing South Africa, but remains committed to resolving them.

“The ANC is still committed to pursuing its economic goals with the framework of a mixed economy, wherein the public and private sectors have a role to play. This means that government will continue with the effort to rebuild the state corporations and expand the state capacity in the economy so that, if necessary, it will be able to make economic interventions which facilitate the growth and development of the economy.”