Okay Trevor Manuel, we hear you. If you say there is no recession, then there is no recession.

Okay Trevor Manuel, we hear you. If you say there is no recession, then there is no recession.

We don't want to sound like Julius Malema, who says that the important economics to know is whether there is bread on the table. But frankly, this talk about whether there is technically a recession is not helping much.

The vast majority of South Africans might not call it by name or even know what the right name is, but they know that the economy is in bad shape. Many have lost their jobs. They fear that things might get worse.

So, instead of dwelling on the technical aspects of what a recession is or is not, can somebody in government start inspiring hope in these times, which by any definition, are tough ones.