The political landscape of South Africa is considered a minefield of complexities, often too intricate to be navigated by the average citizen.
In an attempt to help residents understand, members of the Vryheid community were invited to spend time in the presence of Political Scientist and Professor at the University of the North West, André Duvenhage, at the Klipherk Hall on September 12.
The event was hosted by AfriForum, with Duvenhage the guest speaker. He delivered a powerful address on the 2019 political environment in South Africa, and offered a detailed analysis of scenarios which could well play out over the next five years, as well as pinpointing challenges faced by the ANC-led Government.
With this, Duvenhage also provided some possible solutions to current problems in the country. Raising some pertinent questions which grabbed the attention of the audience, Duvenhage spoke frankly on the current xenophobic attacks, latest crime statistics and violence in the news lately.
He believes it likely the xenophobia will lead to the call for a ‘state of emergency’.
“The economy must grow by three to four per cent, in order for job creation to become a reality,” he stated, adding the current dilemma in this regard was an unsustainable growth tempo.
Duvenhage touched on land expropriation without compensation. He also went in depth on rumoured division within the ANC between the ‘Zuma camp’ and current leadership, and the alleged attempts by certain parties and members to destabilise the ANC. He said roughly 3 000 people left the country every month, which would cause a negative impact on the South African Revenue Service.
Duvenhage further warned that racial tension in South Africa was currently at its highest, and predicted this was cause for concern and needed to be handled with great care.
“The next five years in South Africa are unknown territory.”
Following his presentation, Duvenhage answered questions from the audience. This was followed by a quick election of the AfriForum committee before it was called an evening, after which refreshments were served.
Also read: AfriForum’s crime fighters trained for patrol work
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