MICHAEL BELLING

Sackstein was speaking at a symposium on the future of the country, titled: “Is it ‘lights out’ for South Africa?” Moderated by Rabbi Yossy Goldman, spiritual leader of the Sydenham-Highlands North Hebrew Congregation, the participants were Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, David Shapiro of Sasfin and Sackstein.

Sackstein said that with all the difficulties facing the country, “if 20 years ago I had told you what South Africa would be like today, you would have called me an unrealistic optimist”.

The participants in the CAJE symposium, “Is it ‘lights out for South Africa’?” – Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Howard Sackstein, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein and David Shapiro.  PHOTO: MICHAEL BELLING

It had been good for Jews.

With regard to the current load shedding, he said we were bearing the consequences of our own inaction. The government was trying its hardest now to rectify the situation.

The events in Parliament when the State of the Nation address was delivered were a highlight for him.

“This was one of the best nights of South African politics. I watched an inept and corrupt government humiliated in public. It proved the opposition has power.

“This was true democracy in action and that is why I have faith in the future.”

He said Jews were no longer active in politics and had left it to others “to fix our problems”.

Shapiro, a stockbroker, said that in countries such as Australia and the United States, where he had grandchildren, they could grow up to hold high office and make a difference.

“I can’t see it here and that is a concern.”

The rand was the barometer Shapiro used to measure the 20 years the ANC had been in power. The rate was R3,50 to the dollar in 1994. Today it was about R11,60.

“Every year we have got six per cent poorer.”

Businesses are slowly emigrating

The JSE, however, had gone up by some 13 per cent a year over the same period, which was good for investors.

The one issue that disturbed him most was that businesses were slowly emigrating, developing themselves outside South Africa “because the government has made it impossible for them to continue here.

“The only way we can get back is to reverse those issues we have cynically ignored. Until such time we are going to see this trend continue.”

Rabbi Goldstein said Jews needed perspective and to see the big picture with regard to South Africa, “a young, open, free democracy. The opening of Parliament demonstrated what this country is all about. It represents the robust institutions of our Constitution and democracy.

Jews thrived in South Africa

 “We cannot live in fear. We should live in confidence and not be afraid of anti-Semitism. This country did not have a serious problem with anti-Semitism. This is a diverse country, making it a wonderful place to be a Jew.”

We had to join the democracy and contribute to it in confidence and gratitude. It was also in the interests of justice to speak out for the State of Israel.

“We can take great pride that this gift of freedom allows us to continue to nurture and build one of the greatest Jewish communities in the world.”

Jews had not only survived in South Africa, but thrived, he said.

Rabbi Goldman said that when he came to this country in 1976, people asked why he was coming here – we were sitting on a volcano.

He repeated the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s assurance that it would be good in South Africa until Moshiach came.