By Alicia Mmashakana
THE President delivered the keynote address during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) on Wednesday and said creating an inclusive economy that would generate long-term growth, create jobs, and eliminate poverty are his objectives.
Ramaphosa said although the partnership between business and government has solved challenges such as energy, logistics, and crime and corruption the second phase of the partnership with business required a focus on addressing two of South Africa’s most pressing challenges – unemployment and economic growth.
“We are equally clear that this effort requires collaboration with all social partners. A fine example of such collaboration is the partnership between government and business that we launched just over a year ago,” Ramaphosa said.
Business continued supporting programmes like the Youth Employment Service and the SA Youth National Pathway Management Network, he said.
These initiatives connect young unemployed South Africans with opportunities for work experience, jobs and skills.
Ramaphosa said the government must accelerate the work to overhaul the visa regime to attract critical skills, investment and tourism.
“We need to make use of the opportunities we have identified in tourism, business process outsourcing and the digital economy.
“We agree on the urgency of equipping the workforce with digital skills to take advantage of the new world of work,” he said.
Ramaphosa said private sector capital will be used to fund the growth of small businesses, particularly in under-serviced areas like townships and rural areas.
“As we outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address, the apex priority of this administration is to drive inclusive growth. This is essential if we are to create employment.
“We are therefore focused on sectors with high potential for growth and employment, such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy.
“This means supporting SMMEs and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.”
Furthermore the government says its committed to providing opportunities for education and skills development.
“They assert that continuing on the path of structural and regulatory reform will improve the business operating environment and stabilise the policy environment, thereby stimulating investment.
“A skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy. As a 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 said.
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