Research & Ideas
Of Capitalism, Socialist Greed, Poverty and Remaining Silent
Written by Gavin Chait
"The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer as the filthy rich continue unabated with their greed to be winners who take all," says Bonkosi Mncwabe, the NUM 's Regional Coordinator in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Or even: "The conduct of these construction companies is reflective of the unprincipled conduct of business in seeking to always turn people's victories into enriching themselves," Malesela Maleka, SACP Spokesperson. And: "The lives of human beings are very much more important than exports and profit, and therefore COSATU will not stop exposing capitalists who put profit first before the lives of the poor working class," Solly Phetoe, COSATU NW Provincial Secretary.
Political and social leaders give the impression that businesses are evil geniuses able to make profits, no matter what. Further, the oppressed masses of the world have to band together in fragile, easily destroyed political groupings to fend off the depredations of despotic, all-powerful, capitalists.
A quick glance around the planet reveals the opposite.
Zimbabwe, North Korea, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq all have lots of politics, but very little cash to spend. If anything, it appears that politics, like mildew in bathroom corners, is robust and thrives under any conditions. It is capital that is vulnerable and rapidly destroyed by predators.
Given the level of populism in political discourse, and the perpetual demands that business "stop the exploitation", it is no wonder that business leaders choose to keep their opinions to themselves lest their pronouncements attract further attention. Businesses keep to the sides and influence protectionist policies – also counter-productive – where they can.
This is sad, as it makes for very one-sided debates.
All wages, taxes, public expenditure – the "developmental state" – derives from the profits earned by businesses. Profits they can only make if they are successful at selling things.
That success is dependent on what governments do – or, more importantly, do not do – to support business effectiveness. Businesses rely on educated, healthy employees; and need to be based in a safe environment that respects property rights.
One of the worst excesses of South African state negligence has been regarding HIV / AIDS. Many large firms, from Anglo American to PG Glass, have invested in their own education and medication programs after giving up on the health department.
The cost to business is reduced productivity and increased medical fees. Yet no business leaders have stood up and expressed outrage over the misuse of the money they pay in taxes.
Until the 13th of November 2007, that is.
Jonathan Shapiro – Zapiro – launched his new book, "Take two veg and call me in the morning." The cover is cheerfully topped with a cartoon of a drunk health minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, carrying a purse full of vegetables and jewellery.
Ex-deputy health minister, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, speaking at the event, declared that people should, "respect the presidency, even if one is sometimes hard-pressed to respect the political incumbents."
It was a no-holds-barred evening. Government could be left in no doubt that the participants – including Pieter Dirk Uys and Zackie Achmat – are angry and outraged.
It was not, normally, the sort of event that leading businesses wish to be too closely associated with. Which is why this is so worthy of noting.
The vocal host was Fruit & Veg City, who also provided a tasteful display of lemons, garlic, olive oil, African potatoes and beetroot to go along with the proceedings.
This should not be a one-off. If this single tall-poppy isn't to have its neck cut off, it is essential that other South African business leaders stand up and speak truth to power.
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