Article

The GNU is no solution

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

I writing this column from San Francisco, California, where I’ve been since April 2. What a remarkable and beautiful country the United States is! Everyone here seems focused on their work, contributing productively to America’s economy.

This isn’t my first time in the United States—I’ve been here twice before, though only on the East Coast. This is my first visit to the West Coast, and it’s been an incredible experience.

During my time in California, I’ve met some remarkable people. I had the privilege of visiting the famed Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where I met Peter Robinson, host of Uncommon Knowledge; H.R. McMaster; renowned economist John Cochrane; Peter Henry; and Jendayi Frazer, who served as a diplomat under the George W. Bush administration.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet the legendary economist Thomas Sowell. His Hoover colleague, John Cochrane, mentioned that Sowell doesn’t come to the office. However, I was glad to hear from Peter Robinson that Sowell is doing well in his 90s.

Even while here, I’ve been closely following South Africa’s political and economic affairs. The big story back home is the Government of National Unity (GNU)—a ten-party coalition government formed in June last year.

From the start, the GNU has been a scam—a corruption of our democratic system. I was skeptical of it from the beginning. Most importantly, it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money, with its bloated cabinet accommodating ten coalition partners. As someone who believes in small government, the GNU goes against my values.

I’ve been vocal about my opposition to the GNU. Speaking to journalist Alec Hogg on BizNews last July, I stated that there was zero need for such a coalition. A ten-party coalition was unnecessary and senseless.

The GNU is the ANC’s idea, designed to weaken the DA’s (Democratic Alliance) influence in governance. It’s yet another example of how politicians disregard the South Africans who finance the government with their taxes. Unfortunately, opposition parties went along with this ANC-driven idea.

After the May 2024 elections, the ANC should have either formed a coalition with the DA or with the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) and the MK Party. That’s what the major opposition parties should have demanded. Instead, under the GNU, the ANC has refused to accept that it lost its majority. It continues to govern as if it doesn’t need to share power. Why would they want to share power? It’s not in their interest.

At the ANC Lekgotla last January, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that the ANC would forge ahead with its National Democratic Revolution (NDR)—a set of socialist, communist policies. The NDR has already destroyed South Africa’s economic productivity through excessive regulation and statism. Programs like the NHI, BELA, and the race-based Transformation Fund are sinking the country, as Dr. Anthea Jeffery of the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) argues in her excellent book Countdown to Socialism.

Nine months into the GNU, nothing has changed in public policy. In fact, deeply troubling developments have occurred. No pro-growth policy reforms have been introduced. There are no desperately needed tax cuts to spur economic growth. Deregulation is nonexistent. How many regulations have been repealed since the GNU took power last June? None.

All these things I’ve just mentioned are needed to address South Africa’s disturbing socioeconomic problems. Do you seriously believe these will be done in the GNU?

I had hoped South Africa would move toward the center under the GNU, but that hasn’t happened. It’s as if the ANC governs with the EFF and MK Party in the coalition. Nothing is different.

What’s the way forward?

In my view, there’s little of substance that can be achieved politically between now and 2029. We need to focus on personal development and holding our leaders accountable as private citizens. The GNU should dissolve—it won’t improve South Africa and is a waste of tax money. But I doubt it will. Too many people love the “Minister” title and the perks that come with it. Too many politicians believe being part of the GNU will boost their poll numbers. Typical politicians!

South Africa’s problems run much deeper. The country needs its own Trump, Javier Milei of Argentina, or Nayib Bukele of El Salvador—radical leaders bringing much-needed positive change to their nations.

Unfortunately, South Africa lacks such a leader, and it seems unlikely one will emerge anytime soon. This means we’re stuck in this mess for years to come. PM

This article was first published on Politicsweb.co.za. Buy Phumlani’s book Lessons from Past Heroes here, and subscribe to his YouTube channel here.

© PHUMLANI M. MAJOZI