Its focus is on creating more taxpayer-funded jobs in the public sector (and it’s succeeding in that).

In South Africa, there is a long-standing debate around the impact of strikes on the economy, society and workers themselves.

Recovery in the short term is unlikely, with unsustainable public finances the key barrier to growth.

It's time for electoral reform so we can elect leaders of our choosing.

Contradictions abound when it comes to the economic policies, decisions and actions that are suppposed to be taking the country forward.

The threat to democracy, at least in the immediacy, is not chronic unemployment and poverty. It's politicians.

Not least of all because we are at the mercy of destructive individuals pretending to be leaders; people who are stubbornly refusing to let go for the greater benefit of the country.

Yes, there is corruption and cadre deployment. But don't worry. Be happy. Be grateful.

Rebellious behaviour has always been a feature of what is now an ailing party that lacks the capacity to contain the ambitions of dangerous men and women.

Where is it taking us – this governing party that speaks left, acts right, rejects capitalism, but loves the wealth it has created for its members?

And in so doing emancipate the state and empower participatory democracy?

Not least of all because the GDP index produces data that can inform a quick policy response by government.

The pandemic did not need government ineptitude to add impetus to its destructive force – yet here we are.

Forget the notion of riding out the storm – we need to navigate the waves and phases because this virus could be with us for another 24 months.

The spotlight on the pandemic must never make us forget the role of politics in the country’s current decline.