This morning Alec Hogg wrote about Brazilian economist Edmar Bacha, who used a mythical country called Belindia to explain his nation’s challenge. He described Brazil as akin to a merger between a small first world island of prosperity like Belgium with a country possessing a sea of poverty, like India. He then looked at how South Africa is another pronounced example of Belindia. Its history has left us with unique challenges which can only be overcome by sensitive, authentic leadership. Not by the current fashion of incentivising political entrepreneurship, a process which turns its Belgians into easy targets for plunderers and cronies. Off the back of this Biznews community member Barry Davies sent in a response that expresses his thoughts on the current challenges. He believes South Africa is at a crucial turning point and if the wrong choices are made, it could lead to another Zimbabwe. Barry looks at BEE and likens the policy to a common day form of racism. It’s an interesting piece that’s sure to stir a debate. – Stuart Lowman.

By Barry Davies

Why is South Africa so hung up on racism?