TRANSFORMATION: A TOP PRIORITY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Transformation is a top priority for South Africa, and I believe it should be at the forefront of our national agenda. When we look at the numbers, the disparities become stark. As of now, black women occupy less than 4% of top positions in JSE-listed companies, while white males dominate the boardrooms with over 65%. This glaring inequality raises a crucial question: Will the new Government of National Unity (GNU) address these issues head-on?

As a country, we still have a long way to go in redressing the imbalances of the past. The land issue, a deeply contentious and emotional topic, needs to be addressed urgently to ensure equitable land ownership and economic empowerment for all South Africans.

BMF CALLS FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION AS A PRIORITY FOR NEW GNU

The Black Management Forum (BMF) of South Africa extends its congratulations to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the coalition of political parties on concluding the government of national unity (GNU). “We acknowledge that consolidating the divergent interests of all the coalition partners was challenging, and we applaud all the stakeholders involved for prioritising the country’s stability and expeditiously concluding this process,” the BMF said in a statement.

“We further take this opportunity to congratulate the new cabinet on their roles and wish them great success as they embark on their leadership journey. We are heartened by the continuance of leadership in key ministries such as the deputy presidency and finance, and believe this will lead to economic stability. We await, with great interest, the appointments of the ministry Directors-General and Deputy Directors-General, as they will play an integral part in managing government departments and ensuring that policy is effectively implemented,” the statement continued.

A MONUMENTAL TASK AHEAD

According to the BMF, the current government has a monumental task ahead of it. The first 30 years of democracy saw South Africa transition from a fledgling democracy under Madiba, Nelson Mandela, to a thriving economy and a bastion for growth and progress under Thabo Mbeki. Under Presidents Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa, we have been reminded that the euphoria of the new democracy is over. Recent leadership has had to contend with the global economic crisis, COVID-19, and an increasingly unstable domestic and international environment. As we grapple with these challenges and their effects, such as the triple burden of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, it is clear that the time for complacency is over. We need to roll up our sleeves and push the country forward as a collective.

KEY MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS

The BMF is encouraged by the division of key ministries such as minerals and electricity, and we hope to see the efficient functioning of both these departments. After all, these departments drive the engines of business. We cannot expect to grow our economy and for our businesses to thrive if we cannot keep the lights on. Furthermore, the separation of agriculture from land reform is a pivotal decision that we hope will lead to social transformation. The land question has been a contentious and painful one, and we sincerely hope that the government makes sufficient strides in addressing this issue so that more South Africans gain the economic power that comes from equitable land ownership.

PROMOTING BROAD-BASED BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

We also welcome the appointment of Parks Tau as the Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition. We encourage him to remain focused on implementing the national agenda on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment. The BMF is ready and keen to engage with him to ensure that the country makes more progress in this regard.

PRIORITISING PARASTATALS AND LABOUR EQUITY

We believe that positioning parastatals in the presidency will make these struggling enterprises a priority, restoring South African excellence and allowing our flag to fly high once again. Finally, we are heartened by the appointment of Nomakhosazana Meth as the Minister for Labour and Employment. The BMF advocates for a more equitable and just society, and this ministry is at the forefront of such change. Given that Minister Meth is from marginalised communities herself, has risen through the ranks, and has worked at the municipal level where the plight of social injustice is most severely felt, we have no doubt that she will serve with excellence in this position. The BMF looks forward to working closely with her ministry to address the most fundamental question facing the future of our country: the future of our youth and their meaningful integration as active and important economic participants.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we address these critical issues head-on. The new GNU has the potential to make significant strides in transforming our society, but it requires a committed and concerted effort from all stakeholders. South Africa’s journey towards equality and justice continues, and we must all play our part in ensuring its success.

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