One of the biggest obstacles which black businesses faced was the perception that they could only flourish through government tenders, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, told a Black Business Council gathering at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.
“Black business cannot be content merely to await the opportunities that government will create,” he remarked, urging them to set a trend in transforming the way business was conducted in the country. “Black business must lead, develop strategies and work with government and the rest of the business communities.”
Ramaphosa said black businesses should take the lead in producing thousands of professionals and mentor them afterwards. “The businesses must look at how emerging entrepreneurs can be financed, supported and provided with market access.”
Moreover, he told 500 businesses that were in attendance that the onus was on them to take the country forward as the government could only create a favourable investment climate. “The support of government is there. Black business will have themselves to blame if they don’t take up the opportunities.”