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RE: Whither South Africa? A talk by one of its eminent economists earlier today
I had the privilege of having dinner with colleagues in KZN in 1992, who were personal friends with JP. I have such good memories of that evening and his views of where the country was heading. Similarly full of expletives and at that point, optimism. I am so glad that optimism has returned. I, too, feel more optimism than I have felt for years. Thanks for this!
How lovely! Was he there with his wife Ruda? His talk was peppered with a delightfully inappropriate percentage of references of pillow talk with her.
He also mentioned that he's always been an optimist about this country. He further cautioned that we mustn't confuse South African presidential power with American presidential power - CR is not a panacea for all our problems. What he called "coordination" in his talk I would rather call a "systemic approach", and that is what CR's team seems to be taking. That is the antithesis of the kind of transactional leadership we're seeing in the US at the moment.
Really appreciate you taking the time to read this and share your experience!
Hahaha! No, Ruda was not there, and I did have lunch - with the same colleague - with Ruda a couple of times in Joburg. Lovely folk all of them. And not one of us had a hair of grey on our heads....lol
That is a great explanation of the difference between CR and what's going on in the US. That said, CR is doing what he's been doing for years - learned as a union organiser and lawyer. Smart man about whom I first saw a documentary by Channel 4 in 1987. I've never forgotten. At the time I was working in the mining industry, and the documentary effectively pointed out that he was a leader of the future and someone to watch. And here we are.
I, too, have more optimism for this country than I have had for the last 10 or so years. You may be interested in reading this post that might give you some insight into where I come from in saying this. A bit personal, but may also fill in some of the gaps from our Discord chat the other day :)
https://steemit.com/steempress/@fionasfavourites/onmandeladaythingsthatshapedthissouthafrican-qge67jfhfy