Discussions in ANC's inner circles shows government does not have a ‘good story' to tell

The ANC must stop holding a ‘good story' out to its voters while government and its senior officials are thoroughly aware of the precarious situation in which the South African economy is in, Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus' parliamentary spokesperson on the economy says.

A submission made by the minister of Finance made to the ANC's National Executive Committee's Lekgotla in January revealed that he was concerned about the crisis in which the country finds itself in. From the provision of electricity, which could still experience serious interruptions in the next three years, to unemployment and agriculture (see BDLive report).

The minister of finance, Nhlanhla Nene said the ANC is co-responsible for the economic crisis and slow growth rate which has contributed to unemployment and poverty.

Mr. Gwede Mantashe, the ANC's Secretary General acknowledged that agriculture could make a huge contribution to the country's total GDP. He said that agriculture was only contributing 2% of the total GDP while it has the potential to make a contribution of 12%.

Mr. Jeff Radebe, minister in the presidency acknowledged that job creation in the private sector has just about come to a standstill and that jobs are only created in the public sector. He also acknowledged that the country is reeling from job-losses and in particular the 122 000 jobs which were lost in the first quarter of last year.

Radebe also said that electricity shortage is the single biggest problem which restrains economic growth and that shortages could be experienced for the next three years.

He said there is no option but to improve maintenance and ways have to be found to lighten the impact on the economy. He also said that it should be realised that the situation is serious and things cannot merely continue in the same manner as ‘business as usual'.

Adv. Alberts says it appears from this document that the ANC and the president are purposefully misleading the country by continually painting a good picture while they know how critical the situation is.

The ANC owes South Africa and its people an apology. The FF Plus will be confronting the ANC in parliament about this and ask it to play open cards about the true extent of the country's problems," Adv. Alberts says.

Statement issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Economy, March 18 2015

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