Huge celebration of failure

PYRRHIC VICTORY: SA TEETERS ON THE EDGE DESPITE ANC SECURING APPROVAL OF BUDGET

- Ryk van Niekerk

The scenes in parliament following the approval of the fiscal framework last week were unusual – ANC MPs broke into celebratory singing and gesturing, treating the vote as a political triumph.

But this was not a victory for South Africa. It was a celebration of failure.

The truth is: the latest fiscal framework is the worst since the dawn of democracy.

It does not contain any austerity measures at a time when they should be a priority.

At the same time, it proposes to improve the fiscal position through increased taxation, which will further harm the already struggling economy.

Despite this, the ANC scrambled to secure support from ActionSA and other minor parties to pass it, trumping the DA no-vote.

The DA must reflect on how it was outmanoeuvred to this extent.

Not only could it not influence the vote outcome or secure significant amendments to the framework, but it is now on the verge of being removed from the government of national unity (GNU).

This raises a broader question about the DA's role in the GNU.

It seems it cannot influence policies and find common ground with the ANC, which means its influence in the GNU is minimal.

Yet it has made a difference – the party managed to improve the efficiency of the departments in which it has ministers, most notably public works and home affairs.