By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he supports former president Thabo Mbeki’s proposal to have a national dialogue after the national and provincial elections.
Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at Black Business Council Summit Dinner.
“It has become more difficult to build consensus and to work together and, therefore, I am very attracted and very supportive to the proposal that he has put forward because this approach has always worked for us,” Ramaphosa said.
Former president Thabo Mbeki wants South Africa to convene a national dialogue after the May 29 elections to tackle what he called “counterrevolution” which has been making the democratic government fail since 1994.
Mbeki diagnosed what has paralysed the ANC-led state since 1994 and proposed an inclusive dialogue with civil society organisations, politicians, businesses, labour and others to discuss a way forward.
He attributed failure of the democratic government to “sabotage” in state-owned enterprises such as Eskom and Sars, and ANC members “who serve selfish self-interests” since the governing party rose to power. Mbeki said the counterrevolution has caused suffering to citizens.
Will there be change in the way the ANC is governing? Mbeki says they will try to change.
He was reflecting on 30 years of freedom and democracy at Freedom Park, Pretoria, in Tshwane on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa reminisced about the optimism that marked his inauguration five years ago, spotlighting the substantial support from the BBC and its members, who’ve stood with the government through challenges including the global pandemic, civil unrest, and economic hurdles. He lauded the productive partnership that has fuelled South Africa’s growth, despite these obstacles.
Reflecting on 30 years of democracy, the President acknowledged the pressing issues facing the nation, such as high unemployment, an energy crisis, and the impacts of crime and corruption. However, he also celebrated the transformative economic policies that have catalysed change, notably the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act which has significantly fostered black ownership in business.
Ramaphosa revealed astounding progress, with over 1,700 black-owned firms now benefiting from the Black Industrialists Programme, contributing to a R330 billion annual turnover and supporting more than 282,000 jobs. He also highlighted the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vehicle for further growth, pledging government support to help companies harness this opportunity.
Moreover, the President called for more investment from black business to drive job creation and ensure the sustainable growth of South Africa’s economy.
He emphasised the importance of green industrialisation as a future-focused opportunity and lauded the Competition Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote fair competition and support emerging entrepreneurs.