Economists positive about Zuma address
Zululand economist explains why Zuma's state of the nation speech was in fact 'promising'
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address on Tuesday sparked widespread criticism for being ‘muted’, ‘unoriginal’, ‘mediocre’ and ‘a blowing of hot air’.
But local economist, Head of Department of the Economic Faculty at the University of Zululand, Dr Irrshad Kaseeram, strongly disagrees, stating the speech was, in fact, ‘a positive address full of hope and promise’.
Overall, Kaseeram said Zuma delivered a ‘sobering’ message tackling the country’s key dilemmas, including South Africa’s struggling economy crippled by a lash of strikes in the platinum industry.
‘He discussed the mining strikes and challenges in the industry as a whole and the five-year plan to work with both unions and the mining houses to bring stability to the sector,’ said Kaseeram.
‘The President also highlighted the urgency to implement the National Development Plan, Industrial Policy Action Plan and to rejuvenate the tourism and manufacturing sectors, which will restore business and investor confidence and consequently boost employment and economic growth.’
Kaseeram adds that the country’s rising deficit needs immediate attention and a tough stance from Government.
‘It was noted that Government will address fiscal challenges by undertaking the delicate balancing act of cutting Government expenditures with the view to reducing the budget deficit, but at the same time meet the pressing demands of social expenditures.’
Cut out corruption
Another serious concern for the public has been persistent unethical behaviour within Government.
This, too, Kaseeram believes was sincerely prioritised in the national address.
‘It is encouraging that the president stressed his Government will come up with policies for the development of local municipalities that will be integrated with the provisions of the National Development Plan.
‘In regard to dealing with corruption, the President noted that weaknesses in procurement management systems have compromised the effectiveness and efficiency of carrying out its duties.
‘Hence, measures will be introduced to prevent Government officials and personnel from doing business with the state and all officials will be subjected to stricter financial disclosure measures.
‘Moreover, whistle-blowers will be protected through more effective legislation and technical assistance and management resources will be provided to departments for exacting staff discipline.’
