In this edition we sum up the year that was. A year that was politically charged and socially convulsive to the extent that it has impacted on South Africa’s status as an investment haven.
Some of the realities of 2012 realities left us proud, but unfortunately they have been eclipsed by regrettable moments that have dominated and coloured the year as the major highlights by which it will be remembered. And these regrettable moments have compromised the country’s image.
As a consequence of these upheavals, South Africa has been downgraded twice by international ratings agencies. This has harmed the reputation of the country, which has always been a beacon of hope economically and politically. We hope that we will be able to overcome these challenges.
The celebration of ANC centenary in Mangaung set a tone for the year that was to become politically laden. Major political milestones were the policy conference of the ANC earlier in the year, the SACP congress, the COSATU congress and the coming ANC conference in December in Mangaung.
All were important political assemblies that left their footprint on 2012 at a political level.
As we print this edition, the temperatures are already high as the ANC conference is just three weeks away. Nomination processes have been concluded and provinces are holding provincial general councils to consolidate their nominations.
We take this opportunity to wish all delegates well and appeal for sobriety and a commitment to preserving and deepening the unity of the movement.
Ordinarily we would have liked to see the conference focus more on key policy questions than elections. For instance, the ANC called for the next phase to be a “second phase of transition”, with a specific focus on economic redress.
The SACP has called on members to “take responsibility for the National Democratic Revolution”, while Cosatu has called for “the Lula moment”.
The conference should debate the connectedness of these and how they can be calibrated and harnessed so that a radical programmatic framework in deepening and advancing the national democratic revolution is conceived. These and other issues should be at the forefront of delegates’ minds.
The editorial team wishes all our members and union staff across the country a well-deserved festive season, merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Drive safely and look after your families.
Until the next edition in the New Year!