GEAR policy: The Shift towards Collapse and Resource colony status in South Africa By||Neo Mark

Welcome to the Second episode of the NM Show, with your host, Neo Mark.On this channel, we dive deep into the issues shaping South Africa’s future — cutting through the noise to bring you honest, independent commentary.In today’s episode, we’re unpacking one of the most defining — and controversial — economic policies in South Africa’s history: GEAR, the Growth, Employment and Redistribution strategy of 1996.GEAR was introduced by the ANC government under then-Finance Minister Trevor Manuel as a bold plan to grow the economy by 6%, create 400,000 jobs per year, and reduce inequality.But nearly three decades later, many argue it did the opposite — entrenching inequality, stunting job growth, and paving the way for South Africa’s “two economies”: one rich, one poor.So what exactly was GEAR?Who designed it — and who benefited?And how does this 1990s policy still shape your life, your job prospects, and the cost of living in 2025?We’ll explore how GEAR’s focus on privatisation, fiscal austerity, and market liberalisation opened South Africa’s economy — but also left millions behind.We’ll also look at how big corporations, global investors, and a small new elite gained wealth, while unemployment and inequality grew to record levels.If GEAR was meant to be South Africa’s growth miracle, why did it lead to “jobless growth”?And could the country have taken a different path — one that balanced stability with social justice?Join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly insights into the policies, power, and people shaping South Africa’s future.---

🎯 Keywords South Africa, GEAR policy, Growth Employment and Redistribution, South African economy, Trevor Manuel, ANC economic policy, inequality South Africa, South Africa jobs, neoliberalism South Africa, NM Show, Neo Mark Show, South Africa politics, South Africa economy collapse, South Africa 1996 reforms, South Africa privatisation, South Africa inequality---🔖 Hashtags#SouthAfrica #Economy #GEAR #SouthAfricaPolitics #SouthAfricaFuture #NeoMarkShow #NMShow #SouthAfricaJobs #Inequality---

📚 Sources and Citations:

1. Manuel, T. (1996). Budget Speech and Introduction of GEAR Policy. South African Treasury. Link (archived)2. Terreblanche, S. (2002). A History of Inequality in South Africa, 1652–2002. University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.3. Oxfam South Africa (2018). Takers Not Makers: Inequality Report. Link4. Bond, P. (2005). Elite Transition: From Apartheid to Neoliberalism in South Africa. University of Natal Press.5. Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) (2010). The Legacy of GEAR and Macroeconomic Reform. epri.org.za6. Econ3x3 (2016). Why Has Manufacturing Employment Declined So Rapidly? Link7. South African History Online (SAHO). GEAR Policy Summary. Link8. World Bank (2022). South Africa Is the Most Unequal Country in the World. Link