President meets black business leaders

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday hosted a high-level meeting with black professionals and representatives of black business groups to discuss their role in the economy.

Key among the discussions was the implementation of the government’s programme of action, in particular the National Development Plan (NDP).

Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, Minister of Small Business Development Lindiwe Zulu and Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor and chief executives of state-owned companies were also part of the meeting.

Topics included the implementation of the National Development Plan/ Medium Term Strategic Framework, the Black Industrialists Policy, as well as the fight against racism.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela said the meeting was part of ongoing consultations and briefings between Zuma and key stakeholders as part of the process of promoting inclusive economic growth and job creation.

“The president has emphasised the need for partnerships and engagement with business.”

He said the next round of discussions would be to engage labour, youth organisations and other stakeholders.

Black business organisations attending yesterday’s meetings with the president included the Black Management Forum, the Association of Black Accountants South Africa, the Black Lawyers Association, the Progressive Professionals Forum, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Association of Black Securities Investment Professionals, the Association of South African Black Actuarial Professionals, the Black Information and Technologies Forum, the South African Black Technical and Allied Careers Organisation and the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners.

Zuma met chief executives of big businesses in South Africa twice recently, before and after the World Economic Forum annual meetings, which were held in Davos last month. – ANA