Chris Hart speaks about second watershed
"Our constitution has ignited active citizenry. It is obvious that South Africans can speak out when they are not happy with the way things are done in the country."
WHITE RIVER – Economic strategist, Mr Chris Hart, says there is a direct correlation between the current political set-up in the country and the state of the economy.
Hart was speaking at an event organised by the Possi Positivity Foundation at Bundu Lodge recently. He said the economy of the country is going through what he termed “the second watershed”.
This, according to Hart, included the dropping of the charges against the president, Mr Jacob Zuma by the National Prosecuting Authority which made investors lose trust in the markets.
“Such actions are bound to have long-term ramifications in the economic growth of the country as it raises questions of credibility and trust,” he said.
Hart added that the discontinuation of the Directorate of Special Operations, also known as the Scorpions, had long-term complications in the maintenance of law and order in the country.
“The Scorpions held those who were found on the wrong side of the law to account,” he said.
He also mentioned that another challenge the country is faced with is the fact that education has become irrelevant to some employers.
According to Hart, the second watershed preceded the post-1994 quick economic set-up that was characterised by the transition from the apartheid system to democracy. He said the period was good for the country in terms of job creation and economic growth.
Although the country’s economy is said to be heading into a junk status, Hart said there is hope for South Africans as there are a lot of institutions such as the Public Protector that guard against irregularities.
“The current rule of law is essential for a sustainable economy. The law makes it hard for leaders to be corrupt, which affects our ratings,” he said.
The good news, he said, was that citizens were fighting back against the system, using the constitution that enabled them to voice their dissatisfaction with their leaders.
“Our constitution has ignited active citizenry. It is obvious that South Africans can speak out when they are not happy with the way things are done in the country,” he said.
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