Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says South Africa should use its position in regional and global affairs to strengthen investor confidence, expand economic opportunity and deepen social cohesion.
Speaking at the Nation Brand Forum held in Johannesburg, the Deputy Minister said South Africa occupies an important place in regional and global affairs through the G20 and its leadership responsibilities within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“These platforms give us an opportunity to advance a coherent and authentic country proposition: South Africa as a constitutional democracy, a reforming economy, an African gateway, a creative and innovative society, and a nation committed to inclusive growth, multilateralism and human dignity,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday.
Morolong said the nation brand has become a strategic economic asset for nations across the globe.
“Investors assess the credibility of institutions before committing capital. Businesses assess certainty before expanding.
“Tourists assess safety, hospitality and value before choosing a destination. Skilled professionals, students and international partners look for countries whose institutions they trust and whose future, they believe, offers opportunity,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said the seventh democratic government understands that the continuation and success of the economic reform project are important nation branding touchpoints.
“Just as fighting corruption is nation branding, so too are efforts to improve logistics, energy security, public safety and service delivery. Creating jobs and widening opportunity is nation branding. Each strengthens or weakens the credibility of the story we tell about South Africa.
“South Africa’s challenge is not a lack of potential. Our challenge is to convert potential into visible, measurable progress. Implementation matters more than intention; trust, credibility and confidence must be earned through delivery,” Morolong said.
He stressed that the Government of National Unity has demonstrated that cooperation across differences is possible.
“The optimism generated by this new political moment in our history must now be converted into inclusive growth, jobs, stronger institutions and tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
“South Africans do not need to be convinced to support South Africa. They already want a better South Africa. Therefore, the next phase should not be another conversation about alignment.
“The next phase should be about implementation. The next phase is about registering measurable progress on the milestones in the nation brand compact. If we succeed, we will do more than improve perceptions.
“We will strengthen investor confidence, expand economic opportunity, deepen social cohesion, reinforce trust in our institutions and enhance South Africa’s global competitiveness,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
