Three important things happened last week. Firstly, international credit ratings agency, Standard & Poor’s downgraded South Africa’s credit rating. Secondly, Helen Zille challenged President Jacob Zuma to a public, televised debate on economic policy. Thirdly, Jacob Zuma declined the invitation, with his spokesperson going so far as to say: “Perhaps Zille can explain to the public how affording her an opportunity for a grandstanding spectacle will bring the much-needed solution to the current challenges that the nation faces”.

Standard and Poor’s cited the lack of a coherent policy response from all arms of government concerning escalating labour unrest, and an ever-widening trade deficit as the reason for the credit downgrade of South Africa.

The downgrade has weakened the Rand and spooked international investors, which may boost inflation, thus increasing the cost of debt to the man on the ground. Especially for the exact people who are already protesting low wages and poor labour conditions.

So yes, we, the public, do believe that a public debate, especially concerning the direction of economic policy in South Africa, is entirely necessary, if only to assure us that everything is under control.

You do have everything under control, don’t you South Africa? Prove it.

A public debate between the leading party and opposition is a common occurrence in modern first world countries – something South Africa is desperately trying to be. If you ever wanted the nation and international investors to grow even more suspicious – this (hiding from public debate) is how you do it. And we will prove to you how many people want it.

But if you happen to be one of the thousands of young people in the current generation who are more concerned with K-Pats than the state of the nation from which you derive your quality of life, here are three good reasons why you should be jonesing for a public debate, live on television.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzgvGv6LHHE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6R1I9sB3KU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ERu7xb8uh0

If YOU, like us, feel that a public debate on economic policy between Jacob Zuma and Helen Zille (or Jacob and anyone really) is in the national interest, then copy and paste the following into Twitter:

Retweet this if you want to see a debate between @helenzille and @presidencySA #whatareyouhiding Story – https://bit.ly/V8TvLL

According to trendsmap.com this is already trending.