The voters have spoken and chosen President Jacob Zuma to serve South Africa as president for the next five years. On 24 May 24 President Zuma was inaugurated for his second term as the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.
He and his administration now in their positions are entrusted with moving the country into the third decade of freedom. He has stated that radical economic transformation and inclusive growth will be key priorities over the next term. He has reaffirmed that government will respond decisively to the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Speaking at his inauguration, he stated: “Economic transformation will take centre-stage during this new term of government as we put the economy on an inclusive growth path.” His words were premised on the understanding that the fight against apartheid was not only about political freedom, but intertwined with economic emancipation.
When we reflect on our historic journey, particularly the adoption of the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955, it becomes clear that it was more than a revolt against the injustices of the apartheid government. It also spelt out the vision of a new society in which steps would be taken to ensure the well-being of the people. The Charter’s principles are as valid today as they were when it was adopted. This should be seen in the measures government introduce to eradicate inequality, unemployment and poverty.
Huge strides have been made over the past 20 years in establishing order, stability, peace and reconciliation. However, the government recognise that more needs to be done to contribute to the financial well-being and economic transformation of our society. This commitment was given substance with the establishment of the Ministry for Small Business Development to empower entrepreneurs in growing their businesses and effectively contribute in growing our economy.
The development of the small business sector is critical to economic development and transformation. The Ministry will stimulate entrepreneurship by creating the right conditions and giving entrepreneur’s room to start play an active role in job creation, economic growth and development.
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the new ministerial appointments and the creation of a small business ministry saying that “the cabinet shows a commitment to the priorities in the President's inauguration speech - accelerated infrastructure investment, radical economic transformation and jobs growth”.
The President renewed his call for the nation to rally behind the National Development Plan NDP, which is the country’s road map for economic transformation. He stated: “As the National Development Plan outlines, the structure of the economy will be transformed through industrialisation, broad-based black economic empowerment and through strengthening and expanding the role of the state in the economy. State-owned enterprises and development finance institutions will become engines of development, complementing the state in promoting inclusive economic growth.”
Now that the President has outlined his vision of an inclusive economy that will create jobs and provide opportunities for all, we need to rally behind the plan and ensure its success. This lies in the hands of every South African. The words of former President Nelson Mandela stand as a beacon of what can be achieved: "It always seems impossible until it’s done."
We have entered youth month, and as we celebrate it we call on our young entrepreneurs to take advantage of business opportunities that come with government’s infrastructure development projects. President Zuma’s second-term economic agenda includes promoting local companies, entrepreneurs and cooperatives through local procurement by the state and its agencies.
Just as every generation must discover its mission; this generation should help the government in its efforts to eradicate the triple challenge facing our communities by opening small businesses and creating jobs. Through the Industrial Development Corporation and Small Enterprise Finance Agency, we have made available more than R160 million for young entrepreneurs.
Let all of us play a part in helping government deal decisively with poverty, unemployment and inequality by acquiring the skills and education that are critical to run our modern economy efficiently.
Phumla Williams is Acting CEO of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
