The ultimate conceit in policy debates is to dismiss one’s adversaries with the words: “They just don’t get it.” In the run up to the elections this year and on the occasion of Cabinet announcements, a common refrain from private…
The changed political context defined by the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma is obviously weighing on the minds of workers. Rather than making the reasonable assumption that the new administration will deliver on its promises, public service workers are rattling…
“The People shall share in the countries wealth.” This clause in the Freedom Charter tells of a continuing struggle to build a society that is more equal, prosperous and in which opportunity abounds for all. In recounting the Freedom Charter,…
The anti-colonial writer, Rabindranath Tagore reminds us, “The only real gift is the gift of strength, all other offerings are vain.” To illustrate this he tells the story of the lamb and the Lord. The lamb constantly besieged by beasts,…
Current debates on the motor industry rescue plan remind me of the origins of the term “Hobson’s choice”. The phrase draws from a Mr. Hobson that rented out horses, and gave his customers no choice as to which horse they…
The truism, same context, different outcomes, applies to the performance of politicians. A select number of politicians have excelled in South Africa, but the public remains unconvinced that the performance of government has improved. Interestingly, across perception surveys, there is…
Minister Trevor Manuel referred to debates on the size of deficits as an illusionary delusion, asking South Africans to focus on the effectiveness and quality of spending. Underlying this perspective is an important assumption that tough choices in economic policy…
The South African dream is that opportunities should not be defined by initial conditions, be they race, gender or class. The Constitution provides the right to education as an important foundational element of reaching this dream. Government has developed an…