South Africa is kidding itself.
More and more we hear that South Africa is looking at the Chinese model in order to grow the economy and reduce unemployment. This through the Chinese model of more interest in state capitalism through state owned enterprises. The government is absolutely kidding itself. As much as I am totally opposed to the Chinese plan for African re colonization, which this continent cannot see or does not want to see, their system does work for them in China. However, for many reasons Africa will NEVER make it work. The Chinese state rules through a system of discipline, which they strictly enforce. All the glaring problems that are currently plaguing this country just do not happen in China. Whereas here corruption is endemic, in China it is not tolerated. Their municipalities work because their officials are accountable and are held accountable. This system permeates throughout their country. Their policing works. Their education system works. Their health system works. They have service delivery. In this country, these are all a shambles. This shambolic situation is as a direct result of this country’s civil servants being largely employed because of political patronage rather than ability. The culture of entitlement amongst civil servants in South Africa is endemic. Not a day goes by without this theft of resources making news. This does not only apply to South Africa. It has become the norm throughout post independent Africa. So why would should it be any different here? Unfortunately, all we need do is look north to see the consequence of it.
President Zuma, in his ‘State of the Nation’ address says that the state is to invest heavily in infrastructural development. Right now, the state cannot pay for the milk to supply its failing health system. Where will the money come from? This country has a rapidly diminishing tax base. The government has raised close to thirty new taxes since 1994 and continues to demand more and more in the form of toll taxes etc. Winston Churchill once said, ‘I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle’ so where would the money come from. My guess is that the Chinese will put their hand up. No doubt, South Africa will accept their aid remembering that the Chinese love Africans! Not. They want Africa.
The only way South Africa or anyone other country in Africa will operate on the Chinese model is when the Chinese have control. It needs to be remembered that everyone in China is held accountable even down to the number of children they may have. This is the one Chinese model that Africa would do well to emulate. The Chinese have no Unions. The Chinese tolerate no demonstrations. You work your long days and long weeks quietly and accept what they pay you with no recourse to striking. The Chinese have the death sentence and they use it thousands of time each year. They execute people in China for the same crimes that South Africans would get a pat on the wrist for. Under their system many government officials in South Africa would probably have been not available to listen to the ‘State of the Nation’ address.
So if South Africa wishes to reduce unemployment through infrastructural development in order to move the country forward and need a model to follow, rather look to Mauritius. They have made it work and have nowhere near the resources of South Africa. So look at how they did it and keep, as far away from China as possible .If you open your eyes and look then think, you have to see that without China taking over, the Chinese model will not work under your watchl.
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