Number of rich black people is clear proof of economic freedom

So, President Jacob Zuma’s spin doctors are hoping that the magical title “second transition” will help in covering up the many shortcomings of the ANC government.

What hogwash. This title is nothing more than a vote-catching exercise, an endeavour to give Zuma another term in office and another excuse for the ANC to blame white people for its failure to deliver services to the poor.

Economic freedom arrived at the same time as our new democracy was launched and the number of local wealthy black people is proof of this.

Our new economic wealth has been squandered by the government through corruption and its failure to employ qualified officials in senior positions.

If any group has suffered economically since our democracy, it has been mainly the white and coloured people through the system of black economic empowerment.

Zuma must go back to the drawing board and find out how much of the taxpayers’ money has been squandered by the government. I suggest the amendment of the ministerial handbook as a starting point.

The generous benefits and perks received by the president and ministers are out of proportion with their positions and their performance.

The government must also stop paying corrupt officials during their suspension.

They must also think about reducing the amount spent on extravagant parties hosted after budgets have been accepted and reducing overseas trips undertaken by those in government.

For example, why was it necessary for a cabinet minister to be accompanied by 49 delegates on an overseas trip?

I would like to suggest that the government offer incentives to companies that launch factories in rural areas.

Offer these firms a profit tax-free period for a few years.

The government should also invest more in infrastructure such as tarring roads between the smaller and larger towns.

I think projects such as these are more important than building an express train between Joburg and Durban or additional funds being spent on defence.

I believe there are so many ways of improving the lot of the poor.

A simple example is for lottery monies to be confined to the improvement of hospitals and registered welfare organisations.

In turn, the funds from the lottery Powerball should only be used for the improvement of sports fields and the arts.

No funds from these sources should be used for celebrations of any kind. I also believe that when there’s a big Lotto jackpot and no one selects the correct six numbers, then the prize should be spread among the remaining gamblers.

If this is accepted, and judging by the persons who play the lottery, many people’s lives will be changed for the better.

I will also be happy when the time arrives for the ANC to disband its alliance with the SACP and Cosatu.

They are hindering progress in SA. Examples here are the youth wage subsidy and labour brokers.

Cosatu is not interested in these projects purely because any person so employed would not be compelled to pay monthly union fees.

The numerous strikes are costing the country millions and the unforgivable strikes by teachers are having an adverse effect on our education system.

Apartheid is dead and white people are contributing towards our beloved country.

Remember, when former president FW de Klerk held a referendum regarding the emancipation of black people, most white voters said yes.

Gordon Dally

Weltevreden Park, Roodepoort