The author of First Drafts presents an analysis of the recent gains and setbacks of the South African left:
So the left-wing has made its post-Polokwane challenge to seize control of ANC policy making, and failed.
Or at least not achieved very much. Trevor Manuel remains in his job as Minister of Planning in the Presidency and will chair the new planning commission; Pravin Gordhan remains in charge of the economy as Minister of Finance heading a Treasury moulded by Manuel; and President Jacob Zuma has made it clear it was the ANC that was elected to government and that it, not the alliance partners, will make the final policy decisions.
All the left achieved was an undertaking to review the Reserve Bank’s mandate, but this was more of a token than a substantive concession. There are many across the political spectrum who will welcome such a review, who feel the mandate on managing exchange controls should take account not only of inflation targeting but other factors as well, such as stimulating exports.
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First Drafts: South African History in the Making
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