Letter: More government is not better government

Ann McDonnell of Salt Rock writes:

The general “pause” in life as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has given us lots of time for reflection.

Things will never be the same again.

In some ways that is good, but now we need to concentrate on how to get the economy going and in a sustainable way to avoid us becoming an even more failed state.

Talk about “breaking” the economy to replace it with a socialist/communist leaning state-controlled system is just pie in the sky.

The dignity of a decent job is the desire of every South African and should be the only thing that government and civil society focus on as we come out of the pandemic.

Looking at the bodies that are charged with the South African economy, starting with the national government, both the National Assembly (400 seats) and the NCOP (90 seats) are charged with policy and legislation to lay a good foundation for a vibrant economy.

Both are supported by large administrations.

The next level is the 9 provincial governments with their own administrations, also charged with legislation and policy that will encourage healthy economies for the benefit of citizens.

Then we get district councils, 44 of them countrywide, with their own councillors and administrations.

They are responsible for growing the economy via “Enterprises” which have boards and employees. Some also supply water and sanitation services – vital for the health of the economy,

Lastly, the many local councils all with councillors and administrations, 226 of them.

Wait, there are still the state-owned enterprises – approximately 700, situated at all levels of government.

The likes of Eskom, Prasa, Denel and Ezemvelo are notorious and well known, but the rest together with their well-paid boards and administrations go under the radar.

All the above is paid by taxes and rates, and many South Africans are not getting a good water service, many areas have no proper refuse removal, and we suffer bad education outcomes.

The most damaging fact is that we have one of the highest unemployment statistics in the world.

So, that exceptionally long story is just to show that, as in most countries in the world, more state intervention in the economy does not mean a better more inclusive economy, all it means is more government!

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