Here's how we can fix SA Incorporated

"Hike not in our interests" (February 4) by Mzukisi Gaba refers.

On the assumption the Reserve Bank was nationalised, would Gaba like to enlighten us about how it would then operate?

What sort of policies does he believe need to be implemented, and how would this benefit the country?

It's all very well talking about nationalisation, but the reality of actually making it work is entirely another story.

Gaba speaks of overhauling the banking industry. Here, too, it would be interesting to know what is meant by "overhauling", and how it would work?

After 20 years, the term "revolution" has become tired. People talk about economic freedom but do not define what this means.

Simply speaking, we need to stop all the cheap imports from China. One way of stopping this is not to impose and increase customs duties, but to use the facility that exists within the Department of Trade and Industry called "import permits". Thus, if it can be made locally, an import permit is required and if not, or it is very difficult to manufacture locally, no import permit is required.

Similarly, we can slow down the export of raw materials by imposing "export permits" which are then available for local production.

With local production increasing, we need to ensure that people are properly educated to obtain the correct skills and learn to run businesses. Productivity must improve and employers must have more say in their employment regimes.

As far as financing of businesses, this is where the Treasury can come in with a "People's Bank". This could very well shake up the banking industry.

We need to get rid of the mentality of handouts, with the emphasis on getting people back to work.