Finance minister Tito Mboweni has sparked a debate on Twitter, after he called on Mzansi citizens to debate on whether we should continue to bailout SOEs or invest the Public’s tax money on roads and other public goods.
Mboweni, who is known as Tweeto Mboweni on the social media site, said: “I mean, REALLY?!! Let’s have a public debate!”
Ok. I hear you. For example, what are the citizens’ views on whether we should continue to bailout SOEs or invest the Public’s tax money on roads and other public goods!? I mean, REALLY?!! Let’s have a public debate!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) February 16, 2020
We must develop a democratic system in which ISSUES of NATIONAL importance & NOT party political significance are dealt with. In a proper democracy,a public debate must held leading to a REFERENDUM!!Let the Prople decide not the Politburo!The CITIZENS!! We the PEOPLE must decide!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) February 16, 2020
Many people welcomed Mboweni’s remarks, while some criticised him.
This is what Tweeps had to say:
Minister SOE’S are meant to be profitable those that are no longer making money for the state must not be given bail outs. We are creating a norm that failure is okay. Which is not. We might as well call them NPO’s. Let’s invest the money into infrastructure and Education.
— Maphoka Sibeko🇿🇦 (@maphokamokutle) February 16, 2020
“Insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different results”
We keep bailing these SOE’s out but not solving the real issues within. When was the last time they were profitable?
A continuous waste of public funds.— 🦄 (@Lebz_Maluks) February 16, 2020
We not bailing out SOEs we just feeding corruption.
— doc John Bishop (@JohnBis75624915) February 16, 2020
Those who oppose privatization are ones who continually benefit from corruption within them, how come SAA run at a loss while companies contracted to SAA make profit? Shouldn’t that be a ripple factor on all involved? They’re milking them, then it should be our responsibility
— Tiyani Mbhokota (@tiprowes) February 16, 2020
You mean a STATE ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY or its a tender enrichment programme again?
— Zovuyo Veronica Mente (@veronica_mente) February 16, 2020
Can you jail everyone who has looted the SOE’s then we can talk
— Skhosi (@Skhosi19) February 16, 2020
Privatization for sure …. yes please… create more jobs and competitive prices …
A few privatisation options for competition
Tho no offense please not China
— J (@jeslllll) February 16, 2020
