This paper attempts to look at and discuss the government of South Africa’s viewpoint or rather spin
on fiscal balances in terms of budget forecast. On the other hand the Goldman Sachs report can end up
being lethal to South Africa. It argues that the trade deficit of R19 billion is dangerously wide and that
salaries are up, but spending is strained. There is evidence that after nearly 20 years of democracy that
white South Africans have grown wealthier on an aggregate basis, whilst the number of South
Africans living below the poverty line has been reduced by nine percent. The paper depicts and shows
the advances made under democratic government, post 1994 and outlines the challenges that remain.
The paper will also project on dogma and denial by the trade unions from transforming South African
society and the economy. It argues that it is the crucial role of trade unions should and could play in
the technological, social and political circumstances of the 21s.t
risk the development of democracy
and further marginalize the poor and stymie the emergence of the developmental state that it aspires to
attain.