🔒 Alec Hogg: Concussion effect – delayed reaction to SA’s lockdown has begun

Concussion (above), the memorable 2015 movie about American Football’s dirty secret, is worth watching again. Not just for Will Smith’s excellent performance as a whistleblowing neurologist. Its message about delayed harm from trauma has parallels with what South Africa is now starting to go through. And as in the movie, the result isn’t pretty.

Read also: Alec Hogg: Capital allocation – the reason Froneman is bearish on SA

The Covid-19 lockdown’s immediate impact on the SA economy was traumatic. Like a concussion, however, a delayed reaction is only now starting to work through. Even if Friday’s watershed court case goes against government, it’s already clear there’s been irreparable damage to businesses and employment.
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A pal shared yesterday how his extremely well qualified son has been informed he has a 25% chance of being retrenched. His employer, a major corporation, last week announced company-wide layoffs including one in four of highest skilled staffers. As the process takes some weeks, the newly unemployed will be informed just before Christmas. They won’t be the only ones not buying presents.

Read also: Alec Hogg: US gets its own ‘Gupta Leaks’ – Biden’s pain has just begun

When deep pocketed enterprises in stable sectors are forced into such radical action, rational observers worry about the carnage awaiting businesses in less advantageous positions. But instead of taking the obvious hint and dramatically freeing up the economy, SA’s government has reverted to socialist type, promising to address the challenge by creating hundreds of thousands of new taxpayer-funded public servants. That’s like pouring petrol onto a bonfire. There are none so blind as those who will not see.

For your attention today…

FOR DOWNLOADING…

* Set aside half an hour or so today to have a listen to a really special interview, episode 11 of my podcast show featuring economist Chris Hart. His story will move you. Guaranteed. Here’s the link: https://www.biznews.com/wealth-building/2020/10/20/chris-hart

* My BizNews colleague Nadya Swart’s latest piece of brilliance is her short video drawn from my interview with David Scott, aka The Kiffness. Have a watch – you’re sure to agree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjFxAV25280

* Nadya also does a great job illustrating our daily Flash Briefing. Here’s the link to today’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOvgDhHN9XQ&t=38s

WEBINAR ALERT…

* Tim Modise has a cracking lineup for the Thursday Noontime webinar tomorrow. His guests are former Statistician-General Dr Pali Lehohla, Khandani Msibi the CEO of NUMSA Investments and Phumlani Majozi, senior fellow with African Liberty debating the merits of an ‘Austerity versus Expansionary Budget to Fund South Africa’s Economic Recovery’. Here’s the link to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1324111475714234383

* Get in early ahead of Monday’s Rational Radio webinar where my guest is new Sasol CEO Fleetwood Grobler. Register here and we’ll remind you appropriately: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6730147365502274830

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