Bravo to Reuel Khoza: We have delusions that politics will deliver Africa from underdevelopment and yet this has not happened in a hundred years

I personally encourage an honest commentary on the political situation especially from black business. Unfortunately this is not common in Africa and Dr Khoza has spoken. Instead of taking heed of the dangers ahead I note that Mr Gwede Manatshe has decided to attack the chairman personally. What a pity but isn't that to be expected? The failures or successes of the good doctor have absolutely nothing to do with politics.

Our continent is littered with failed democracies and very wealthy blacks who mostly choose to ignore political developments in their countries. In Zimbabwe, Nedbank would summarily lose their banking license and be branded enemies of the revolution. Because of this threat, Zimbabwean businessmen have seemingly been silenced on issues of national importance and we all know the saying that evil prevails when good men keep quiet.

The drivers of our democracy are not our politicians alone but our citizens who continue to bear the brunt of corrupt leadership. In its second transition the ANC seeks to deepen democracy by creating a participatory environment where all South Africans can be free to express their opinions on any issue without fear. The reactions of the ANC to Mr Khoza are therefore not encouraging and in contrast to the stated objectives of the second transition.

In most of Africa the independent voices of those who choose not to be in politics continue to be stifled and most of us black professionals have chosen to protect our careers by being silent when things are going wrong.

We have delusions that politics will deliver Africa from underdevelopment and yet this has not happened in a hundred years. One can hardly be proud to be a politician given their record and their contribution to the underdevelopment of Africa.

As citizens of Africa we must rise to the challenge and say it as it is or as we perceive it to be. The survival of freedom and liberty in this country is based on our ability to call our politicians to order as they too do not have the monopoly of wisdom.

Let these truths force their way into all judicious minds.

Asikhulume!

Vince Musewe is an economist he is promoting new thinking about Africa under the topic "New African Minds" and you may read his philosophies about change by going to vincemusewe.blogspot.com or email him on [email protected]

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