Press Release – White Business Leadership Cannot Suddenly Pretend to Have a Conscience: Silence on AfriForum, But Alarm Over the DA’s Exposure

Now that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been exposed for its arrogance and entitlement, white business leadership is rushing to call for calm and “mature leadership.” But where were they when AfriForum acted unpatriotically, traveling the globe to call for sanctions against the democratically elected GNU government? 

They were silent. 

There was no condemnation when Helen Zille publicly insulted GNU leaders. No media statements when the DA continuously blocked transformational policies. This same business class stayed quiet because their interests were secure. 

Now that their political proxy is wobbling, they expect the GNU to bend over backwards in the name of unity. 

But here’s what they don’t want to admit: the white capitalist class was the biggest beneficiary when the ANC came to power in 1994. Suddenly, new markets opened – including China – and the world embraced South Africa economically. 

Naspers is a shining example of this – a company that exploded into global dominance because of the conditions created by the ANC-led democratic government from 1994. 

Companies like Discovery, Aspen, and Bidvest didn’t even exist before 1994. They came into being and thrived under an post 1994 Government that pursued pro-business policies, while at the same time pleading with these corporations to transform the economy through BEE.

These so-called “builders of the economy” have benefited immensely while giving little in return to the millions still living in poverty and indignity. Now that the DA’s posture has been revealed as hostile to transformation and indifferent to justice, the same business elite wants to dictate the direction of our country. 

We agree: South Africa is at a crossroads – the most critical one since 1994. 

The ANC cannot afford to fail the nation again, even within the GNU. The people have spoken. The message in the recent election was crystal clear: those who turned away from the ANC did not go to the DA. 

They went to the MK Party, because they saw in it a return to the ANC’s original values – pro- poor, pro- justice, pro- people. 

The ANC must now ask: what exactly is the DA offering, apart from obstruction, arrogance, and a thinly veiled disdain for transformation? 

President Cyril Ramaphosa must lead – not for the approval of boardrooms and billionaires, but for the people of South Africa who still wait for dignity, for justice, and for jobs. 

Let us not forget: state capture is not just about the Guptas. There is another, quieter capture – the capture of state and policy by entrenched white economic interests, fronted by parties like the DA. It is institutional, it is subtle, and it is just as dangerous. 

The ANC has a choice: bow once again to elite pressure or recover its soul and stand firm with the people who carried it into power. The ANC policies historically was pro-poor, and history will judge it harshly in its approach to appease white elitism. The 2025 Budget was an opportunity to reset South Africa’s economic trajectory in favour of the people and inclusive economic growth. While some steps have been taken, the PMC assessment is that BUDGET 2025 remains one that asks ordinary South Africans to sacrifice more while, the political elite continue to enjoy their benefits, and fails to address the deep structural inequalities that hinder progress. The PMC stands firm in its vision of a South Africa where every citizen has access to economic opportunity, quality services, and a government that works for the people, not the elite.

Justice is not a negotiation. Development is not a favor. Transformation is not a luxury. 

The time for excuses is over. The time for principled, courageous leadership is now. 

Marius Fransman
President People’s Movement for Change

For further communication contact
Grant Harmse
Head of Communications
0659784075
communications@pmc.org.za