We are heading into an abyss

AFTER World War II, it took a decade for Japan to recover and develop into a world economic power.

South Korea also suffered a massive economic blow during the Korean War but, just like its East Asian counterpart, it too was on the road to recovery within a decade.

Rapid economic transformation has become an ANC buzzword, yet what we are witnessing in post-apartheid South Africa is a decline in every aspect of governance.

Decaying infrastructure, lawlessness and corruption are endemic to our country.

From all that we see, it’s clear that our government lacks the mentality of understanding the undertaking of economic transformation.

The lack of emphasis on providing quality education to all is at the crux of the matter. This cannot happen if an environment has not been created that is conducive to learning.

The government is failing our children in this regard, no pun intended.

We could learn a lesson from countries like Japan and Korea but only if we are willing to learn.

This requires a mindset different from the current thinking. As long as stomach politicians are favoured over intellectuals we are heading into an abyss. Sekunjalo Ke Nako! (Now is the time!)