National reconciliation and ueber-goodwill from the side of the ruling parties and governments in Southern Africa - particularly in Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe - have not changed economic imbalances.SADC member countries are economically interdependent and thus, equally affected.The white-owned economy remains hostile, unco-operative and exclusive, forever creating new obstacles for local indigenous individuals and communities therefore unable to participate.

To add insult to injury, its owners - the long-practicing architects of apartheid - meddle in power politics and control with their chequebooks.

Their influence has turned local black African leaders against one another, causing chaos and confusion within ruling party ranks.

It is imperative to follow the money-trail.

Despite programmes such as “Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)” and “Affirmative Action” in South Africa; the progressive vision of the Namibian government as spelled out in its detailed “Fourth National Development Plan”; and Zimbabwe’s working model of indigenisation, the majority of indigenous Africans remain locked out of the economy.

From the onset, the oligarchs of colonial-apartheid counter those they perceive as dangerous to their interests and use their moles in the ruling parties to attack those identified.

In this way, the oligarchs have created their own safety, enabling them to remain in the shadows.  

This is demonstrated by the racist mindset of South Africa’s former colonial-apartheid president, FW de Klerk.

His public claim tha t“The introduction of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) poses a threat to South Africa” shows his intransigent racist-classist arrogance.

In the case of South Africa, the control by a few white captains of industry poses a serious threat to the country and region’s stability.

FW de Klerk’s evil racist mindset is unacceptable.

And, those who think along the lines of de Klerk are misled. They simply do not understand the dangers of it.

In fact, they are dishonest, as the deadly cocktail of racism; neo-liberalism and common greed have blinded them.

But that mindset will bite them forever.

The agendas of the captains of industry have already created problems that will spin out of control, eventually holding insurmountable obstacles for themselves. People have become better informed and know what is going on around them. Times have changed.

Namibia and Zimbabwe’s efforts to open their economies are laudable.

Both countries have understood the burning urgency of economic participation for the majority.

Despite addressing the economy through a broad based “National Development Plan” in its 22nd year of independence, the director-general of Namibia’s National Planning Commission, Tom Alweendo, admits to some failures.

“... while the country is classified as an upper middle-income country, the official rate of unemployment increased steadily throughout all three National Development Plan (NDP) periods, hitting a high of over 50 percent during NPD3.”

As a result of the UN’s unworkable willing buyer- willing seller land resettlement programme, Zimbabwe went through a period of aggressive land redistribution, which is now irreversible.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe adopted a US dollar-based economy with additional South African rand and Botswana pula currencies and was able to stabilise its economy. The country is bouncing back, particularly through its vibrant mining sector. An indigenisation programme has followed.

But, South Africa, marketed as the “economic powerhouse”, has most likely more serious problems, having to overcome economic discrimination with a population of 50.5 million people.

In addition, local and foreign interests actively undermine the ANC and its government.

ANC veterans fear that “unless the ANC finds a way to address delivery to the majority, it could fail. Words and promises will no longer be accepted. It had held its policy conference earlier this year, addressing those issues”.

“Solid delivery programmes would enable the ANC to overcome current internal power struggles and external influences,” the respected elders advise.

Struggle stalwarts warn, “Despite de Klerk’s efforts to discredit a national economic transition, South Africa’s economy will have to be balanced. The ruling ANC will have to accept the responsibility of power.”

But, how to do that?

Following is some input from the fraternal parties of the SADC region.

Two areas of the economy to be addressed literally immediately – land and mines.

Farmland would have to be made available for agricultural graduates. It could be done the same way, as medical practitioners have to do their houseman ship and attorneys their articles.

Agricultural graduates would work the lands for three to five seasons, gaining hands-on experience.

Everything is there – land, labour, equipment, fertiliser and access to water.

Agricultural graduates would lease land from government and from the SANDF.

They would receive loans from government institutions and possibly from BRICS. Within five seasons the new farmers could accumulate enough profits from their crops to buy own land.

But, beware of private financial institutes! Their covert shenanigans will make the programme fail.

Eventually, South Africa could produce over 10 000 professional farmers and Namibia over 700 farmers per annum. After some 20 years, experienced and seasoned farmers would grow from such a programme.

The first intake of learner-farmers could be identified from those indigenous black South Africans who have any form of experience. Those should be invited.

Traditional chiefs could be persuaded to participate.

As far as the mining sector is concerned, Malaysia’s “Bumi Putra” programme of indigenising its mining industry could be adapted to South Africa’s mines.

Former Prime Minister Mahatir Mahomed developed a law for indigenous participation of 28 percent. His government would not award any licenses, or contracts to any foreign investor if the 28 percent were not adhered to.

Today in 2012, Malaysia does not depend on foreign aid, unlike in the 1960s and '70s. The laws are Malaysian without foreign influences.

South Africa could do same. With an enforced 40 percent indigenous participation a balanced, participatory economy will create a safe future for all.

• Udo W Froese is an independent political and socio-economic analyst who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.