The Freedom Front Plus has said that poverty and unemployment in South Africa are breeding grounds for radicalism and that the biggest failure of the ANC government lies in this field. This follows on the credit rating company Moody’s latest credit analysis indicating that political instability holds the largest threat for development and economic policy in South Africa.

The Freedom Front Plus is of the opinion that both the government as well as the private sector has to realise that radicalism which flows from large scale poverty and unemployment is the single largest threat for continued peace and prosperity in the country. Both the government and the private sector’s interests are being threatened if these problems are not drastically and sustainably addressed.

According to Dr. Conrad Beyers, the FF Plus’ chief spokesperson on finance, strategic partnerships between government and the private sector which would include the mining industry, the financial sector, agricultural sector and other relevant bodies, should be strengthened in order to find joint possible solutions as well as to consider future threats and address it.

“The increasing radical and polarised comments we are hearing from the ANCYL should shake everyone awake – both in government circles and in the private sector. Pro-active action is needed and it is in everyone’s interest to actively contribute to the solution. Without the current disastrous poverty and unemployment, Malema’s comments will not find favour with anyone,” Beyers said.

According to the FF Plus, the ANC has failed in 16 years to address poverty and unemployment despite ambitious and expensive socialist government programmes. Only a few elites have gained from these. The FF Plus is of the opinion that radical elements in the ANC are busy playing a dangerous game by blaming a part of the population for the ANC government’s failures.

The ANC has to realise that an economic attack on an important part of South Africa’s population and the accompanying damage to the economy is not in the interest of anybody. The loss of tax income for government as well as the consequent increase in unemployment will only drag the country into more problems. In the same vain the wealthier part of the population has to realise how dangerous it is to their interests if poverty in the country is left unchecked.

Beyers added that a culture of social grants is not a sustainable solution for poverty and unemployment.