VAT 25: 'Who Killed Cock Robin?'

Some of our more bloodthirsty readers will remember the rather gruesome children’s Nursery rhyme, Who killed Cock Robin?

The amusing claims and counterclaims of some of the minor and very minor representatives of the people in Parliament about having killed the VAT increase reminded me recently of the carryings-on of his feathered friends, either lamenting or bragging about the death of Cock Robin.

A bastardised version (by me and not by AI), of the nursery rhyme, published in 1744, might read as follows: 

“Who killed Cock Robin?”

“I,” said Athol, the sparrow, “I’m very good with my tiny little bow and arrow.”

‘Who saw it die?’’

“Me, me, me,” said the puffer wearing his Trumpian cap, “MakeSouthAfricaBlack (Like Me).”

“Who caught his blood?” 

Beasley the Dikkop, now renamed Thicknee, beamed. “I knew immediately it was blood and told my leaders so they could claim the blood.

“Who’ll make the shroud?”

The Riser simpered, “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll zap it in a Zibi can.”

“Who’ll do the eulogy?” 

The Minah said, musingly, “I will. Everybody has the right to believe it was this flock of ours that sent the VAT increase to paradise.” 

Readers will note that even well-meaning and busy birds can be wrong.

The VAT increase died because of the total hash of it made by a very inexperienced Minister of Finance. His inborn arrogance, learnt in his “Movement,” was to disregard the coalition agreement; ignore weeks of warnings from his coalition partners; and then the ultimate shame: present another failed budget and an illegal framework that was set aside by the Court, with costs

Without the DA and its allies, and its determination to stand up for the people, for stability, for growth and jobs (instead of waste, spend, loot), South Africa would now be in an almost impossible situation: a liberal constitutional Democracy with no effective government and no budget.

We are now in the thoroughly democratic process of negotiating a new budget, allowing substantial input from the DA, the ANC, all the political parties, and, of course, the many other stakeholders. This is how it should be in a coalition. Important matters need to be properly negotiated and widespread acceptance reached. I am sure the new budget will pass in Parliament. 

It is then that such governments work and provide stability, growth, and economic development. This is a great moment for our country.

I do not doubt that Minister Godongwana will place less emphasis on the first syllable of his surname and will have learnt a great deal from this frightful budget drama. Having been burnt in the fire, the minister might even yet emerge as a new Trevor Manuel. Good luck to him

Far more important than even that, however, is how this crisis will influence the future.  South Africa is unlikely ever again to have a single-party government. Coalitions will be the order of the day for many years to come at all levels, right down to local government.

The lower level is currently, with some bright exceptions – mainly towns run by the DA or DA-led coalitions- in an utter mess.

Local Government, and most provincial governments, need tender loving care, and this can only come from parties, politicians, and citizens who place the public good in the number one position.

Having said all that, is there anyone who would disagree with me when I say: “Three Cheers for those who killed Cock Robin?”  

* Douglas Gibson is a former opposition chief whip and a former South African ambassador to Thailand