Check the wrapping, my china

In the short term, China's financial 'gifts' might appear as the ultimate solution to SOEs’ needs, but the outlook holds many dangers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, second right, and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, with their respective wives, Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, left, and First Lady Tshepo Motsepe, right, meet at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, 24 July 2018. Picture: Kopano Tlape, GCIS

Beware of Chinese bearing gifts. Okay, so it should be the Greeks to watch. But the Greeks have never harmed our country. As far as my flawed memory serves me, that is. But, the Chinese?

As the situation unfolds under President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tshwane could become their new capital in Africa. Tshwajing?

The massive financial injection to bail out bankrupt Eskom is a continuance of Chinese influence subtly, or perhaps not so subtly, taking over strategic local infrastructure.

The Guptas have laid a strong foundation on which the Chinese can build. In other words, state capture, in another form perhaps, remains the norm. And, ironically, they will have the support of at least four members of the ANC’s national executive committee – with Zuma and his cloth-wearing cronies praying furiously.

Surely our president is aware of the danger, to him and the country?

Even local fashion brands have been hijacked and it’s no secret that our textile industry has been threaded out because of imported cheapies.

And that with a country known for its inhumane handling of those who don’t conform or speak out against a despotic regime.

Nice buddies, eh?

China has already shown its hand in Africa. What an ideal continent to target with its rich resources to plunder. Don’t be surprised when China comes to the rescue of other top state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Transnet offers them ports for warlike operations. Coupled with Denel, this gives them a solid foothold on the continent. Sound like conspiracy theory? Don’t think so, if you believe the writings of authors, among them investigative journalists and economists, tracing China’s global policy over the years of infiltrating vulnerable countries led by corrupt leaders and using or abusing mineral resources.

What is particularly worrying is that Zuma has always had a relationship with Beijing – and we know the reasons why – and it is evident Ramaphosa is strengthening that bond.

In the short term, the financial “gifts” might appear as the ultimate solution to SOEs’ needs, but the outlook holds many dangers.

It’s not the Greeks to fear.