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This book traces the economic debates in the ANC from the Freedom Charter, to Morogoro, to the RDP and to the present.

It shows that the shift to macro-economic stabilisation in the transition to democracy in 1994 was due to international pressure and how it changed the trajectory of ANC policies.

The government became frozen in the pursuit of cautious economic policies in the interests of fiscal prudence.

The commitment to development lost momentum, compensated partially by the provision of modest social services and social grants.

The book traces the revolt against economic orthodoxy at the ANC Polokwane conference which was pressed forward at the Tripartite Economic Summit in 2008. The book analyses the economic challenges that will face the new government in 2009 with original insights into what should be done to address the economic crisis. It sets out a framework for alternative development programmes based on a change of mindset about the centrality of development planning in a pro-people developmental state.

The analysis is based on 15 years work in parliament and in economic committees of the ANC which provided unequalled access to vast documentation and discussions with the top policy makers of the ANC and government.

The contents include extensive examination of the international conditions at the transition in 1994, the creation of the RDP, the switch to Gear, the distortions of BEE, the dual economy, the lessons from Africa and the reasons why  the productive sectors of the economy have stalled. There is a postscript on the decisions of the Tripartite Economic Summit in which the proposed changes to government policies are assessed.

Prof Ben Turok is a member of parliament in South Africa and visiting professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is a veteran of the ANC, Editor of New Agenda, and founder of the Institute for African Alternatives in the UK and Africa. He has published many books on development economics and politics in Africa.

NEW AGENDA (S A)

ISBN:  978-0-620-42565-0

Enquiries; Germaine, Tel: 021 403 2593/ 073 9559 473, Fax: 021 461 9390, Email bturok@anc.org.za , PRICE: R150

Bank: Standard Bank

Account number: 070394903
Account type: Business current account
Branch name: Cape Town
Branch code: 02 0009
Account name: NA Publications

CONTENTS

Introduction                                                                                          p11

Ch 1     ANC Economic Policy in the Struggle Years                             p18

Ch 2     The Political Context of the Transition 1990-1994                     p33

Ch 3     The International Context of the Transition                                 p49

Ch 4     Reconstruction and Development Programme                p75

Ch 5     The Switch to Gear                                                                   p111

Ch 6     Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)                          p139

Ch 7     The Dual Economy                                                                   p179

Ch 8     The ANC and Africa                                                                p211

Ch 9     Stalled in Orthodoxy                                                                 p245

Postscript                                                                                             p271

Acronyms                                                                                             p274

Index                                                                                                    p277

This classic text of writings by the foremost revolutionaries of our age, Marx, Lenin, Mao Tse Tung, Le Duan, Che Guevara and many others, has been out of print for many years. It has now been reprinted in response to much demand from activists and others who seem to feel that the book covers a legacy which should not be forgotten. (more…)

The ANC government has tended to be somewhat reticent about its policies on the mining industry. The exception being the legislation dealing with mineral rights. But it has been well understood that mining is a major source of export revenues and employment, and governments have traditionally operated at arms length with the industry. (more…)

After ten years of remarkable political stability, our country is now experiencing  considerable stress.  Most of the institutions of  government remain a stable  arena, but governance, in the sense of how parts  of the  administration function,  is showing unexpected strain. (more…)

International assistance to Africa came under close scrutiny at a Parliamentary Conference in the European Parliament last week. Official Development Assistance (ODA) has long been subjected to severe criticism by policy makers, legislators and academics for deficiencies which have still to be resolved. Recently there has been a strong move in Europe for ODA to be coordinated by donor countries and to be transferred as Budget support rather than allocations to individual projects. This would obviously make monitoring of spending much easier. (more…)

Paper 869a

1.    Since the rules governing trade between Europe and Africa have become increasingly complex, we need to set down some basic issues:

a.    In colonial times, trade between the colonial powers and the colonies was marked by unequal exchange with the values wholly out of proportion.
b.    In the period of European industrialization, European manufacturing relied on protection behind high tariff walls, keeping out cheaper imports.
c.    In the present period of so-called free market economics, Europe continues to maintain massive protectionism while demanding opening up by trading partners.
d.     Europe wants access for manufactured goods and services in Africa which will seriously weaken the domestic economy.
e.    All these negotiations are conducted in highly complex terms, and in numerous extended sessions, possibly designed to obscure Europe’s real intentions.
f.    Where small concessions are given by Europe, it is immediately compensated for by additional demands.
g.    If we are moving to a system of global free markets, why not make a few simple rules, which will apply to all, without any complexity, and without any hidden advantages to the strong. (more…)

1.    The increasing attention to the modalities of Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Europe to Africa provides a good opportunity to examine the overarching environment in which ODA occurs.

2.    Among these considerations those which seem to be important presently are:  the role of Parliaments in Europe and Africa in promoting good governance, the jurisprudence of international cooperation, the rights to property and the right to work. (more…)

There is now a great deal of attention in Europe to relations between Europe and Africa. This is partly due to the arrival of large number of African immigrants, but also to wider concerns about global security and environmental issues. There is also much concern about “good governance” in Africa, though, strangely, the role of Parliaments is generally omitted in the relevant documentation. Yet, clearly, good performances by Parliaments are an essential element of good governance. (more…)

INTRODUCTION:
Unequal partnerships within a marriage can work if there is mutual attraction and good understanding. Between countries more is required. When colonial rule introduced European languages and culture into Africa, this did not establish the basis for equal relations between their countries. Relations between unequal countries can only be meaningful and sustainable where it is based on mutual benefit. (more…)

The relationship between the New Member States of the European Union (EU) and Africa were discussed at a seminar in Brussels (28 February) aimed to prepare and equip the new donors to play a full part in African development. The seminar, organised by AWEPA (Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa), in co-operation with the European Parliament, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Society for International Development (SID) European Programme, was held to mark the occasion of the EU Presidency of Slovenia. (more…)