The African masses, political leaders and intellectuals should rally and build a new movement for the renewal and regeneration of the continent

Dr Wilmot James MP, DA Shadow Minister of Trade & Industry correctly points out that the ANC discussion document towards national policy conference, the second transition, leaves some questions unanswered with regard to the capacity of the government to implement the stated objectives. However I hardly think that a discussion document should provide answers but rather shape the necessary dialogue that must insure with regard to the challenges we face in the future.  

In my opinion the manuscript correctly paints a picture of the challenges that are faced first within the global context, within Africa and within the country in order to facilitate the healthy dialogue about creating a better South Africa. It covers all the necessary issues that need consideration and I think our role is to enrich the quality of the anticipated dialogue and thereby accelerate the probability of arriving at the desired outcomes.

In looking at it, one can insinuate the key factors to South Africa's prosperity which I think have been adequately covered in the discussion document. These to me are: Accountability and transparency in governance, the development of human capital, economic transformation, access to affordable health, promotion of entrepreneurship, efficient use of technology and protection the environment. In addition the following paragraph for me captures the spirit of creating a new Africa:

"Unless the continent positions itself strategically, what is evidently appearing to be the advent of the African Century will become another century of missed and wasted opportunity. The African masses, political leaders and intellectuals should rally and build a new movement for the renewal and regeneration of the continent. We need to summon the courage and foresight of the first generation of freedom fighters and eliminate the legacy neo-colonialism on our shores. We need to build a new generation of African political and civil society leadership that will serve the interests of the masses and ensure that growth and development serves the interests of the people."

The document however does not adequately deal with the necessity to recalibrate the institutional structures that must deliver the thoughts and ideas enumerated therein. I estimate that these issues will be dealt with at the conference because the albatross on Africa including South Africa, is the ability to implement policies. Also clearly appreciated in the document is the fact that South Africa has adequate financial resources to lift itself up. The question is does it have the political will and the people?

Unfortunately as is the case with all attempts to cause social change, politics does get in the way and I think that is the major weakness we face. It will undoubtedly not be economics that win the day but rather, political intrigues and power positioning. It is my view that the issues raised in the document need to be stripped of political rhetoric, shaken and stirred so that the debates can be as robust as possible and rather cruel in an attempt to extract a new reality. This process cannot be left to the ANC alone but to the broader interests groups whom I hope will come to the fore with their dispositions.

The ANC clearly identifies that it cannot do it alone but must include the broader citizenry from academics, white capital, the black middle class and the masses in shaping anew vision for the country. This will only happen when we begin to see an ANC that is perceived as dedicated to development and admits it can only facilitate a new order and not control the outcomes towards selfish ends. The change agenda in South Africa is bigger than any political party or individual and interest groups and the tendency to want to retain political power at all cost poisons the broth.

The ANC appreciates the global economic power shift from the West to the East but does not adequately address the global trend of how technology must be used to transform societies. It appreciates the necessity to create an enabling and inclusive environment for communities to participate in the creation of a new social system but does not offer the relevant discussions on how this may be done.

It admits to a mixed economy as the best option on the table but does not begin to articulate any new philosophies that may be of use. But again, as mentioned above, the purpose of the document in my view, is to cause important conversations to happen and not necessarily prescribe on methodology.

It is difficult for me to see why South Africans cannot rally behind the strategies enumerated therein. There is a sad tendency for opposition for the sake of opposition and that is a value system we are stuck with because our past.

I do not believe that any of us be it the opposition political parties, labor and civic organizations and other interest groups are intent on causing harm to South Africa's potential. In that spirit, our minds should be engaged on how we can all make the vision as enunciated in the ANC's discussions document a reality in this life time.

We can never agree on how to get there in unison and thank goodness we have a democracy to help us to freely articulate our views, but we must at least agree on where we want to be in 50 years' time and give credit where it is due.

Yes Mangaung will provide: it will provide the answers that will shape our future.

Vince Musewe is an economist and you may contact him on [email protected] or go to his blog vincemusewe.blogspot.com where he is promoting the emergence of New African Minds to deal with the challenges faced by Africa.

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