Business holds key to curb poverty
NMU chancellor optimistic despite many challenges
AMID a diminishing economy and the “sea of pessimism” gripping South Africans, it will be up to leaders in business to lift the nation out of poverty.
This was the challenge delivered to Bay businesswomen by Santie Botha, chancellor of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), speaking at a women’s breakfast held by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber on Friday morning.
“South Africa is beset with inequality and the diminishing growth of the economy translates into lower living standards,” Botha said.
“The recent report by StatsSA on poverty – stating 55.5% of South Africans live below the poverty line – was a reminder of who the victims [of a struggling economy] are.
“This is the time when we need strong leadership and policymakers, and we need to partner for the greater good of the country.
“Now more than ever we need to behave as leaders to build a better South Africa for future generations.” Botha said she was optimistic about the future of the country despite the negative macro and micro-events which had occurred including downgrades from ratings agencies, drought, corruption and ill-timed, irresponsible political decisions.
“The reality of Brexit and Donald Trump’s election will also be felt for the rest of the year, but I honestly believe the tide is turning for the better [in South Africa],” she said.
Botha said the nation had a lot to learn from Rwanda, where the GDP growth in the last 12 years totalled 8% and less than 38% of the citizens were below the poverty line.
“The Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, was just elected for a third term with a majority of nearly 98%.
“[Just like in South Africa] 1994 was an important year in Rwanda’s history [when the genocide took place] – but, 23 years later, the political landscapes of the two countries could not be more different.
“With the right political leadership, anything is possible, but when politics are about survival of the fittest, surely we are focusing on the wrong things.
“South Africa’s sub par economic growth and unemployment [leaves us with] disgruntled graduates and a growing frustration.
“The current volatile political environment will remain one of the biggest challenges, but as a nation we are known for making miracles happen.”
‘ This is the time when we need strong leadership