Ramaphosa at Davos
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the South African government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development through partnerships that benefit all South Africans. Speaking ahead of his delegation’s participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the President outlined South Africa’s priorities for its upcoming G20 Presidency, with collaboration and innovation at the core of his agenda.
“One of the messages we will be taking to Davos is our ongoing commitment to partnerships in pursuit of inclusive growth and sustainable development. We will present our experiences of cooperation across society in South Africa and encourage greater emphasis on partnerships in international relations. In particular, we will make a call for global companies to partner with governments, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in emerging markets to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.
South Africa’s G20 Agenda: Collaboration for Progress
As South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa has emphasised that the country’s agenda will prioritise cooperation among G20 and other nations on pressing global issues. He highlighted that this collaboration should not be limited to government-to-government interactions but must involve civil society, labour unions, businesses, and other social formations.
Inspired by the Brazilian G20 Presidency in 2024, South Africa will introduce a G20 Social Forum. This forum will bring together representatives from engagement groups and civil society, fostering dialogue across diverse sectors, including business, labour, the judiciary, and parliamentary bodies.
Ramaphosa underscored that inclusive growth can only be achieved through a collective effort that unites governments, private enterprises, and citizens toward shared goals.
The Power of Partnerships in South Africa’s Development
President Ramaphosa pointed to the success of initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela as evidence of the transformative potential of partnerships. This programme brings together government departments and public institutions to drive targeted reforms in critical sectors such as energy, logistics, telecommunications, and water infrastructure.
Structures like the President’s Coordinating Council, which facilitates cooperation between national, provincial, and local governments, have also played a key role in addressing complex challenges.
The President highlighted other examples of effective collaboration:
• Presidential eThekwini Working Group: This body was established to restore business confidence and address service delivery challenges in Durban. Progress has been made in areas such as water supply, tourism infrastructure, and law enforcement.
• National Electricity Crisis Committee (NECOM): The government’s response to the electricity crisis, including reducing the severity of load-shedding, has relied heavily on partnerships between government, state-owned entities, businesses, and labour organisations.
“Though our respective roles and mandates may differ, we are aligned on the need to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation,” Ramaphosa said, noting that public-private partnerships are critical to unlocking growth potential.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Social Challenges
Beyond economic growth, the government has fostered partnerships to tackle social challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The National Strategic Plan on GBVF, developed in collaboration with civil society, aims to address the scourge of violence against women and children.
Similarly, the government has partnered with organisations such as the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) to combat HIV/AIDS, leveraging the expertise of civil society to improve health outcomes across the country.
Davos 2025: Positioning South Africa for Global Leadership
South Africa’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos provides a global platform to advocate for inclusive economic strategies and sustainable development. At Davos, President Ramaphosa and his delegation will engage with international leaders, investors, and stakeholders to showcase South Africa’s progress and priorities.
The President plans to emphasise the importance of global companies partnering with emerging markets to create opportunities for innovation, investment, and development. Key focus areas include climate resilience, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.
Collaboration in Rail and Port Operations
President Ramaphosa also highlighted recent improvements in rail and port operations, a crucial area for South Africa’s trade and economic competitiveness. Efforts to support Transnet’s operational recovery have led to stabilisation and the recovery of lost volumes.
“These improvements are the result of targeted partnerships between government and key stakeholders, showcasing what can be achieved when we work together,” Ramaphosa stated.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reflecting on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the President stressed the importance of collaboration in saving lives and livelihoods. “Our experience of the pandemic underlined the value of effective coordination across the state and with other sectors of society,” he said.
The government’s coordinated response, which included partnerships with the private sector and civil society, demonstrated the critical role of collective action in overcoming crises.
Public and Private Sector Alignment
Ramaphosa emphasised the alignment between the government and the private sector on key priorities such as job creation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable growth. He called for continued dialogue and collaboration to remove barriers to inclusive economic development.
The Road Ahead: Building a Collaborative Future
As South Africa prepares to lead the G20, President Ramaphosa’s vision is centred on inclusive growth, sustainability, and global partnerships. His leadership at the World Economic Forum underscores the country’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations that drive progress.
“We have a rich history of dialogue and cooperation in South Africa, and we will continue to leverage this legacy to build a better future for all,” Ramaphosa concluded.
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