By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry Dr Alistair Ruiters as Special Advisor: Investment Promotion.
The appointment of the former director general at the department of trade and industry comes two weeks after Ramaphosa named former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to Washington amid a diplomatic freeze with the administration of US President Donald Trump and a simmering global trade war.
In a brief statement Presidency said, “Dr Ruiters will advise Ramaphosa on South Africa’s continuing investment drive which is a principal component of the 7th Administration’s focus on inclusive economic growth and job creation.
Government is implementing a broad range of economic reforms aimed at rendering South Africa more attractive and rewarding for domestic and international investors; advancing greater diversification of the economy, and broadening South Africa’s integration into continental and global supply chains.
Dr Ruiters held the position of Director-General of Trade and Industry for five years until April 2005, which followed 11 years of service in the department.
He holds a D Philosophy degree from Oxford University and a BA Honours from the University of Cape Town, among other qualifications.
Dr Ruiters is a former Commissioner of the Competition Commission who, as an entrepreneur, established a number of businesses, and served as Chief Executive and Chairperson of diverse institutions and enterprises, including the National Empowerment Fund, Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and the Afarak Group.