By Tirthankar Mitra
Cautious optimism fraught with challenges has been ushered in South Africa post President Cyril Ramaphosa forming a coalition government. The new government has economic and social rejuvenation high on its agenda with the inclusion of Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen and other Opposition parties.
The coalition was formed after African National Congress (ANC) failed to win electoral majority. The election was held on May 29 this year. The formation of the coalition government is unprecedented. It has its potentials and pitfalls. The challenge before the coalition government arises from the very nature of its formation. The ruling ANC’s desire to continue its rule might have prompted to opt for the white dominated main opposition party Democratic Alliance(DA) ignoring the wide ideological differences between the two.
The expanded Cabinet, enlarged to accommodate coalition members has raised eyebrows. Increasing the number of deputy ministers to 43 is a burden to the state’s resources. Moreover, it contradicts previous calls by DA itself for a leaner government. The efficiency of the government could be diluted by an inflated Cabinet.
Moreover, the expansion of the Cabinet does not conform to DA’s centre-right pro-business stance. Yet DA’s inclusion in the government and it’s representatives being given key portfolios like agriculture, basic education, environment and public works is considered to be a much needed step fostering growth and stability.
Business leaders have expressed their agreement to collaborate with the new administration. To call a spade by no other name, such offers from captains of industry to a new administration is routine.
To be fair to the business community, the coalition dispensation must not squander the goodwill. Political expediency must not play second fiddle to national interest.
Reverting to the Cabinet composition, the absence of outside experts in key portfolios could hinder the coalition’s ability to implement effective policies. To refresh collective memory ,it needs to be recalled that South African economy is suffering from a decade long slump. The coalition government needs to adopt bold programs for generating jobs to ease the acute unemployment problem in the nation.
Appointing ministers and their deputies based on political consideration rather than their ability to address a nation’s urgent issues, may not help..
To tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality, swift and decisive measures are needed. Effectively balancing economic imperatives with nation’s political interests will mark the extent of the coalition government’s success.
Experts say that the Cabinet of President Ramaphosa has to navigate prudently the dynamics of coalition politics. It is in itself a complex process. The coalition dispensation has to deliver on its promise of revival and progress.
South Africa stands at a crossroads. If the coalition government fails or falters it would lead to ethnic and socio-economic divide which has long plagued the nation.
Promises of revival would go for a toss. The coming months will be critical. There is like little alternative but to chart a course to a brighter future by mobilizing the services of the best technocrats.
Genuine collaboration has to be prioritised cutting across political lines. It will be a delicate balancing act on whose success depends the fate of the change South Africa desperately needs. (IPA Service)
