Education

South Africa’s 30-years of democracy presents a chance to reflect on how far the country has come while also providing the opportunity to create a path that promotes economic growth and nation-building.

“The thirty-year mark of democracy is a crucial turning point for reflection on both how far we have come and, most importantly, where we are going in the immediate future and in the next 30 years as a nation.

“In my considered view, I believe that we can all play a role in creating the country of our dreams. Not only the Government, but all sectors of society, including politicians, public sector, policy specialists, and the academia, must collaborate to create a path for our country that promotes economic growth, overall prosperity, and nation-building," said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The Deputy President was speaking at the BBQ Awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Kempton Park on Friday.

READ | Deputy President to address BBQ Awards ceremony 

With South Africa having held elections on 29 May the Deputy President said: “Once again, as in 1994, we have the opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa under the GNU [Government of National Unity]”.

He added that the nation-building process is extensive with government’s vision being to establish a society that is founded on the most superior aspects of human civilisation, including political and human freedoms, socio-economic rights, value systems, and identity.

“Indeed, the 2024 election outcomes present us with an opportunity to return to the task of building a South Africa that will not be defined by race, class, or gender.

“However, we must not ignore the structural and systemic inequality that persists across all sectors of our economy, particularly in business and industry, if we are to build a truly united South Africa. Our dedication to non-racialism and working together does not mean we are unaware that the apartheid legacy still systemically disenfranchises individuals based on race, gender, and class 30 years later. However, we must be positive about our nation's future,”he explained.

He added that government remains committed to investing in people through education, skill development, and high-quality healthcare. 

“We aspire to improve our communities' spatial perspectives by constructing inclusive cities and delivering services. We urge all segments of society to work with us to ensure that our democracy is stable, efficient, and effective, bringing all people together.

“The Government remains resolute in its pledge to cultivate an environment conducive to the flourishing of black, youth, and women-led businesses.

Altering SA’s economic growth trajectory

As Government, we are leveraging the black-owned business sector to rebuild after the global economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic. We are willing to have important conversations about how the informal economy can contribute to building our economy.”

He stressed that increase in the number of unemployed South is a concern.

“The increase in the number of unemployed South Africans, particularly among the youth, necessitates more immediate steps to assist us in fundamentally altering our economic growth trajectory. We must therefore have an open and inclusive conversation about rebuilding, which will result in increased economic activity.

“We must acknowledge that there is a more pressing need to support aggressive means and forms of economic integration for black-owned firms, particularly in the historically untransformed sectors of the economy. We must pay close attention to how governments at all levels can create supportive policies and regulatory environments that support the informal economy.”

Hope and eradicating poverty

He added that amid the current discourse on the country’s economic trajectory, there is room for growth, development, and hope. 

“The Government's efforts to restructure the economy through the B-BBEE [Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment] policy, legislative framework, and other interventions have made progress, but further efforts are still required. Despite the obstacles encountered since the passage of the B-BBEE Act two decades ago, our government remains unwavering in its mission to enhance and broaden economic empowerment and inclusion across all sectors. 

“This will continue to be the case even under the Government of National Unity.”

The Deputy President also called for collaboration in eradicating poverty.

“If we do not collaborate, the Government alone cannot create stability or fulfil the National Development Plan and Vision 2030 goal of eradicating poverty. We must collaborate to broaden the scope of black-owned businesses beyond the convenience store chain, such as spaza shops. 

“Our economy has much to offer, and the informal sector, which is dominated by black-owned businesses, should take advantage of this reality.” -SAnews.gov.za