The economic view that's been promoted at progressive South African universities since the 70s, and that's now pervasive in our intellectual class is this:

(1) Market failure is real. Sometimes, individuals' pursuit of self-interest leads to inefficiency and a net loss of economic value. This is overall harmful to society.

(2) Government intervention can correct market failure and promote the greater good.

Therefore, government intervention in the market is justified.

I strongly agree with premise (1). Market failure is well-demonstrated both theoretically and practically. I just think the libertarian-types are wrong.

There's a major problem with premise (2) though. I think most left wing South African intellectuals ignore the fact that governments (as well as markets) can, and do, fail.

South Africa is a spectacular example of government failure in its corruption and state inefficiency.

They picture some perfect Sweden or Germany-like state in which civil servants are committed to the public good, and fear being publicly shamed if they steal or mismanage.

This is simply not our reality, and is unlikely to be our reality without serious political change.

It's for this reason that I struggle to take so much of the "progressive" commentary in this country seriously. They have unchecked assumptions. Their theory is unsound.

Racial guilt and intentity politics, sadly, just serve to make people double down on their dodgey worldviews rather than challenge them. This is a difficult problem indeed.

We need to start seriously doing the work of getting people to explain their views on political economy and challenging their assumptions, though. It's going to require a lot of debate to end the delusion.

PS I wish we'd stop just importing the economic and even social arguments (about healthcare, race etc) that pertain to the US as if they apply equally here without further question.

The logical error inherent in that leaves us incapacitated to deal with our unique issues.