Zumanomics

South Africa stands at an historical political and economic crossroad in 2009. Globally the widespread world recession has serious consequences for the slowing South African economy – and 2009 is seen as a tough year for business and consumers. Politically it seems that, while the ANC-Cosatu-SACP Alliance is likely to win the 2009 elections, important changes in economic direction are possible for South Africa. What does a Zuma Presidency hold in store for the economy and business prospects? What kind of policies will – and should – a Zuma government follow in the wake of the ANC Polokwane Conference in December 2007? How far to the 'left' will a Zuma government swing and what are the economic and business constraints on their options? Zumanomics: Which Way to Shared Prosperity in South Africa? – Essays in Political Economy comes to grips with many of the elements of the socio-economic agenda which the country should be contemplating post-2009. A range of 11 essays by top economic and political analysts outlines key socio-economic realities that will confront a new government and offers 70 key findings and recommendations as to how they can best be managed. Controversial issues being addressed include interest rate policy, labour market questions, the role of the State as well as implications of the breakaway COPE party for South Africa’s political future. Edited by prominent economist Raymond Parsons, the essayists include such leading analysts as Iraj Abedian, Adam Habib and Olu Akinboade. What they have to say in this highly topical title will be of concern to all those who have a vital interest or stake in the future of South Africa. It is a title of consequence for intelligent laypersons, businesspeople, economists, trade unionists, bureaucrats and politicians. The wide-ranging but focused analyses presented in this collection of essays will provide valuable insights into the economic and political roadmap that South Africa needs in the years ahead if shared prosperity is to be achieved on a much bigger scale.

Raymond Parsons is an authority on the South African economy who teaches in the department of economic and management sciences at the University of Pretoria. He is the editor of Manuel, Markets and Money and the author of The Mbeki Inheritance and Parsons' Perspective: Focus on the Economy.

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