Cyril rolls up sleeves
With the Springbok victory in the Rugby World Cup behind him, President Cyril Ramaphosa is ready to today lead government’s hosting of the second South African Investment Conference.
Writing in his weekly online column, Ramaphosa said: “As we welcome over 1 500 investors and business people to explore the many investment opportunities in our country, let us be as united and as determined as we were on Saturday in Japan.
“The sight of Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi lifting the cup at the Yokohama Stadium filled me with great pride.
“I could see the undisguised emotion on the face of his father, Fezakele Raymond Kolisi. There was his son – the first black captain – making history.
“At a time when South Africa is experiencing profound challenges, we have rallied around the victory in Japan.
“The outpouring of support for the Springboks showed the immense potential of sport to unite us.”
Held under the theme “Accelerating Growth by Building Partnerships,” the investors’ conference aimed at attracting much-needed foreign direct investment and is part of the country’s bold ambition to raise R1.2 trillion over the next five years.
Last year’s inaugural conference yielded R300 billion worth of investment commitments by local and international investors in mining, forestry, manufacturing, telecommunications, transport, energy, agro-processing, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, financial services, energy and ICT.
“This year’s conference will highlight the positive steps government is making to improve the investment environment and the progress made on last year’s investment commitments,” Ramaphosa said.
“It will also serve as a platform for government to engage with the local and international investment community to promote the opportunities in the country and explore new markets.”
Included in topics to be discussed, will be unlocking value in mining, manufacturing and tourism.
Ramaphosa will also attend the Business Showcase tomorrow for entrepreneurship, and small business growth at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus.