Ironically, although representatives of poorer and smaller communities tend to fall into the anti-Walmart camp, the pro-Walmart establishment can frequently be heard proclaiming the benefits of Walmart’s prices for the poor of this country.

It is hardly surprising that Walmart generates so much passion – you don’t get to be the biggest retailer in the world without stirring some emotions and creating a few myths.

During the past week’s Parliamentary hearings alone, the portfolio committee on economic development heard that Walmart’s entry was behind the proposed retrenchment of over 3 000 workers at Pick n Pay, Woolworths’ increased level of imports and the 10-year-old demise of Metro Cash & Carry. This exaggerates even Walmart’s grand view of itself.

Of course the sad reality for the government is that, whatever the views of the average consumer, the full impact of Walmart’s entry into this country can only be known five or so years down the road.

Right now the only unquestionable beneficiaries of the Walmart-Massmart merger are the senior executives with share options who immediately benefit to the tune of a few hundred million rands.

In stark contrast is the uncertainty facing the general economy. If in five years time our manufacturing capacity has failed to compete with the Walmart price, it may be too late for the government to do anything.

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