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Work smart to get rid of poverty

FIKILE-Ntsikelelo Moya is right: no "clever body" needs to tell us that the economy has largely failed the masses - "Poverty realists know that poor are impatient", Sowetan December 21.

Government grants are no achievement, but exactly the opposite: evidence of the government's failure to provide the framework within which people can be gainfully employed in a manner which will engender self-respect, hope and be "proudly South African".

Also, unrealistic promises about creating millions of jobs, providing thousands of houses, better healthcare and so on will not help the poor.

What we need firstly is a separation of the ANC from the SACP and Cosatu.

Their policies have not worked anywhere in the world to create sustainable economic growth.

Only an economic policy allowing the maximal application of all our country's skills, inventiveness and experience will deliver the goods.

Secondly, we need a new education system geared at equipping people with skills and attitudes needed for a free enterprise system.

Thirdly, we need to return to moral norms and values like ubuntu and the Bible, where serving and loving others are promoted and proclaimed as marks of "success" instead of the culture of cleverness and self-indulgence at the expense of others.

Lastly, we need the truth that says there are no short-cuts to building economic prosperity.

With the right attitude, a proper education system and an economic policy committed to free enterprise, we will be surprised at how much poverty will disappear after another 15 years.

DC Coetsee, Stompneusbaai

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