If Trump Made SA Great Again

IMAGINATION: LAND WHERE EVERYTHING WOULD WORK AND PEOPLE ARE SAFE IN STREETS

- HEIN KAISER

Four days ago, Donald Trump's inauguration speech promised a new era for America. Concomitant to that, his proposed policies and actions on the campaign trail may change geopolitics and global trade forever, not just the length of his term. His message was strong, libertarian and nationalist. A middle finger and a hug at the same time. Sometimes you need a badass to take the reins of government. To fix what's gone awry and to break a few things along the way.

Now, imagine that Donald J. Trump didn't lead the United States, but South Africa. Stretch that thought to contemplate what it could mean for Mzansi. In his inauguration speech, Trump would have also announced a new golden age for South Africa.

Just like he directed thinly veiled insults at former President Joe Biden, he'd look at the ANC with disdain. But, if he had to list the organization's shortcomings and failures, as he did with the Democrats, South Africans may have been at risk of a list that went on for days. Trump would have probably summarized 30 years of rule with a single phrase: "It was a glorious cock-up. Now it's a glorious new age."

A Trump Cabinet would include South Africans who have advocated for change and justice. Outa's Wayne Duvenage, Thuli Madonsela, Zackie Achmat. Technocrats would fill the balance of high office.