Irresponsible comments destroy the economy

10 June 2016

“The core problem at the moment in South Africa is that the ANC government chooses the voter’s support and populism above the recovery of the economy. This is extremely irresponsible and short-sighted,” Dr. Pieter Mulder, leader of the FF Plus, said during an election meeting in Vaalwater in Limpopo.

“If you consistently blame the business sector, mine bosses and farmers for everything that goes wrong in South Africa, you should not be surprised when all of these sectors react with negative growth. Mining has declined by 18% and agriculture by 6,5%. Naturally commodity prices and the drought plays a role. If, however, you compare these sectors to the sectors in other countries with similar problems to that of South Africa, we reflect poorly.

“In an attempt to outbid the EFF for support in the forthcoming election, president Zuma and ANC leaders consistently make confusing and populist comments about land and agriculture. This creates great uncertainty and results in farmers not being prepared to expand or create new job opportunities in agriculture. The ANC is then surprised when agriculture declines for five consecutive quarters – the last quarter by 6,5%.

The National Development Plan identified agriculture as one of the sector where many job opportunities could be created to resolve South Africa’s unemployment problems. To achieve this, ANC leaders, president Zuma included, must stop making populist comments about land and farming in order to bring certainty. If they are truly serious about rescuing South Africa’s economy from junk status within the next six months, it cannot be business and election propaganda as usual.

Issued by Pieter Mulder, FF Plus Leader, 10 June 2016