So what if journalism collapses? What happens if there isn’t an adequate response?

If journalism collapses, South Africa collapses. 

Without journalism, corruption and crime will continue (and grow) completely unchecked. Municipalities will fail - even more. We’ve already seen roads explode, buildings burn, and water shortages and contamination following the electricity crisis. 

Drivable roads and street lights will become fond memories and businesses struggle to survive from the rising costs of a failed state. Taxes will increase to offset a shrinking revenue base and a 1% GDP growth rate will be a stellar outcome. 

There will be no accountability, mis- and disinformation will fill the void to catastrophic effects. The list is long and scary.