SA is open for business
IT IS not all doom and gloom in South Africa and the World Economic Forum on Africa is a good opportunity to debunk that myth and showcase the country.
This was the sentiment of Sekunjalo executive chairman Dr Iqbal Survé speaking before the event in Durban next week.
Survé, who was recently appointed to the Stewardship Board of the World Economic Forum’s Shaping the Future of Information and Entertainment System Initiative, said South African businesspeople who will be part of the gathering will be the ambassadors of the country.
“The message I will be taking there is that South Africa is open for business, that ours is an industrialised economy, that we have a growth trajectory, a strong skills base, good banking systems and relatively good infrastructure.”
He said contrary to some misconceptions, WEF was not a gathering of just businesspeople. The gathering also included many representatives of non-business formations such as civil society organisations, social entrepreneurs and academic institutions.
Survé said this gathering would also result in millions in direct foreign investment into the country.
“Through that we can create jobs and through creating jobs we can restore the dignity of our people,” he said.
Survé said WEF was also an opportunity for South African businesses to explore investment opportunities into other African countries.
He said the WEF delegates should also be encouraged to separate the politics and look into the structural basis of South Africa’s economy, which was very strong.
Durban businessman Vivian Reddy said he had attended 12 WEF sessions in other parts of the world and having this one hosted in Durban was already a big boost for the local economy. “The top business people from Africa and other parts of the world will descend on Durban, this will give local business people a chance to network and form future partnerships.
“More importantly, it is an opportunity for us to sit down and discuss social issues such as women empowerment in Africa.
“It’s a chance for us to find solutions to business and social problems,” said Reddy.
Reddy was expecting to discuss business between African countries, and with business and government leaders at the same table, WEF was the opportune time to have candid conversations about bringing Africa together.
“I will be attending several sessions, but one of the most important issues for me will be bringing in young entrepreneurs, the issue of youth unemployment…
“Africa is a young continent and our youth is becoming very restless.”
As much as South African participants would be looking to those from around the world for knowledge, Reddy believed the country was world class in its own right and the world could learn from it and the continent.
Zeph Ndlovu of the Durban and South Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry encouraged business people to take advantage of the presence of WEF delegates in the city to showcase their manufacturing and tourism offerings and to tap into investment opportunities.
“Above all, our expectation is that this is going to change the perception about South Africa and junk status.
“Our creativity as South Africans enabled us to weather storms like this before. Out of a crisis like this we can emerge victorious by being innovative,” said Ndlovu.