By Mpho Moloi
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a deeper collaboration between business and government to tackle South Africa’s pressing issues of unemployment and economic growth. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Ramaphosa highlighted the successes achieved in sectors such as energy and logistics, while also emphasizing the need for further action.
“With our far-reaching reforms gaining momentum, the second phase of our partnership with business requires a firm focus on employment creation. This is where we need to strengthen the partnership,” Ramaphosa said. He underscored the importance of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service and the SA Youth National Pathway Management Network, which connect young South Africans with job opportunities, skills training, and work experience.
Government-Business Collaboration
Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the partnership between government and business has yielded results, particularly in key sectors, there is still much more to be done. He called for an acceleration in efforts to overhaul the visa regime to attract critical skills, investment, and tourism. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to harness opportunities in tourism, business process outsourcing, and the digital economy.
The President stressed the urgency of equipping the South African workforce with digital skills to thrive in the evolving global economy. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing private sector capital to fuel the growth of small businesses, especially in underserved areas like townships and rural communities.
“As the Government of National Unity, we seek to deepen this partnership [with business] so that we can together build a conducive environment for investment, growth, and job creation,” Ramaphosa stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaboration with the business sector.
Government’s Commitment to Economic Growth
Ramaphosa reassured BUSA members that his administration is fully committed to driving inclusive economic growth. He outlined the government’s focus on sectors with high potential for growth and employment, including technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy.
“We are committed to ensuring that economic growth benefits all South Africans, especially the marginalized and underserved communities,” he said. This commitment includes supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities.
The President also identified export growth as a priority, emphasizing the need to improve the global competitiveness of local industries. The government is working to streamline export processes, address tariff and non-tariff barriers, and provide financial and technical assistance to exporters.
Structural Reforms and Skills Development
Ramaphosa highlighted the government’s ongoing structural and regulatory reforms aimed at improving the business environment. He underscored the importance of a stable policy environment to stimulate investment, which is crucial for sustained economic growth.
“A skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy. As government, we will continue to invest in education and vocational training to equip young people with the skills needed in a rapidly changing economy,” Ramaphosa noted, stressing the significance of preparing the youth for the demands of the modern economy.
Strengthening Partnerships
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its partnership with BUSA to drive economic growth that benefits all South Africans. He acknowledged that while disagreements may arise, continuous and active engagement is essential to sustain this partnership.
“We must accept that there will, from time to time, be areas on which we may disagree. We should not let this deter us from the work we need to do,” Ramaphosa said. He called for clear communication to build trust and ensure that policies are informed by the realities on the ground.
In his closing remarks, the President urged business leaders to leverage collective resources, expertise, and passion to build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa. “Let us build a South Africa where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our economic progress,” he concluded.
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