Rand Business Forum gets analytical

By: Ian Kern-Martin
The Rand Business Forum (RBF) hosted its monthly meeting at the prestigious Rand Park Club where members were treated to an in depth analysis of South Africa’s current political and economic situation. Guest speaker was J.P. Landman, a political analyst who has written for some of the country’s largest publications including Rapport and the Business Day.

Landman began by giving an overview of the country’s economic growth in recent years and how this has affected the life of the man in the street. “We have enjoyed an average of 3.1% in recent years and, based on this, the trend looks set to continue in 2010 and 2011. Part of the reason for this growth has been a sharp decline in the average fertility rate. In 1970, the fertility rate averaged 5.8 children per woman whereas in 2006, it was a mere 2.7. Many women have now entered the labour market and have taken financial control of their lives. The economically active population, consisting of people between the ages of 15-64 years of age, has also increased from 9.5 million people in 1995 to 13.8 million people today,” he said.

He then explained that despite the perception of a lack of service delivery by the government since its rise to power in 1994, the quality of life of many South Africans has improved. “There has been an overall decline in the poverty rate from 51-41 percent. In 1994, 50% of houses in the country had sanitation. This has now increased to 71%. An amount of R2.7 million has been spent on RDP housing and 72% of abodes now have electricity compared to 51% in 1994”.

Landman then looked into his crystal ball to make predictions regarding the outcome of the general election on 22 April. “Based on the current political climate in the country, it is conceivable that the ANC will obtain between 60 and 65% of the national vote which means that the Party will narrowly miss the two thirds majority it currently enjoys. This is positive as absolute power corrupts absolutely,” he laughed.

“It also seems clear that Jacob Zuma will become our next president. I would however like to see opposition parties obtaining about 30% of the vote in addition to the votes that COPE can obtain”, he concluded.
Log on to the Rand Business Forum’s website at www.rbforum.co.za or contact Anita Calitz on 011-792-5222 for further information.