Discussions in ANC's inner circles shows government does not have a ‘good story' to tell
The ANC must stop holding a ‘good story' out to its voters while government and its senior officials are thoroughly aware of the precarious situation in which the South African economy is in, Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus' parliamentary spokesperson on the economy says.
A submission made by the minister of Finance made to the ANC's National Executive Committee's Lekgotla in January revealed that he was concerned about the crisis in which the country finds itself in. From the provision of electricity, which could still experience serious interruptions in the next three years, to unemployment and agriculture (see BDLive report).
The minister of finance, Nhlanhla Nene said the ANC is co-responsible for the economic crisis and slow growth rate which has contributed to unemployment and poverty.
Mr. Gwede Mantashe, the ANC's Secretary General acknowledged that agriculture could make a huge contribution to the country's total GDP. He said that agriculture was only contributing 2% of the total GDP while it has the potential to make a contribution of 12%.
Mr. Jeff Radebe, minister in the presidency acknowledged that job creation in the private sector has just about come to a standstill and that jobs are only created in the public sector. He also acknowledged that the country is reeling from job-losses and in particular the 122 000 jobs which were lost in the first quarter of last year.