fight against the scourge of corruption and state capture which had unfortunately begun to take root in recent years. His focus has been on restoring the moral credibility of the ANC as the leader of society and an effective tool of transformation in the hands of the people. His residency has been widely welcomed by South Africans from all walks of life as signifying a new dawn in the country. This new dawn has meant, among other things, taking bold and decisive action in the State wned Entities in order to reposition them to play their rightful role in the economy. Such decisive action has included the appointment of entirely new boards where necessary. In line with resolutions of the 54th National Conference which elected him, resident Ramaphosa has been a champion of a radical land reform programme which he believes is not only necessary but also long overdue if the country has to achieve social ustice and lasting peace and prosperity. The conference directed that e propriation of land without compensation must be one of the key mechanisms at the disposal of the state in pursuance of
this land reform and redistribution. It is, however, important to note that resident Ramaphosa has emphasised in no uncertain terms that the land reform programme envisaged by the ANC will be e ecuted in line with the laws of the land and in an orderly manner which does not harm the economy but rather increase agricultural production and guarantee food security. He has on numerous occasions publicly condemned those who engage in illegal occupation of land as well as those who encourage them to do so in order to gain political mileage. resident Ramaphosa has urged the business community not to see land reform as a threat to their investment but rather as the best long-term guarantor of the safety of such investments in a stable and peaceful political as well as socioeconomic environment. As someone who pays close attention to detail, the resident is fully aware that a stable and peaceful environment will only be achieved through a deep and meaningful compact between all social partners especially government, business and labour. South Africa can only benefit from the fact that the resident has had very successful careers in all these three
FEATURE | MEET THE RESIDENT
As President of the Republic since mid-February this year, President Ramaphosa has been leading efforts to fight against the scourge of corruption and “state capture” which had unfortunately begun to take root in recent years.
sectors and is thus best placed to constitute the centre towards which all three gravitate for leadership and guidance on how to make South Africa a better place for all. As a visionary thinker, the resident is currently seized with efforts to mobilise all progressive forces in business and labour to oin his ambitious drive to attract S 100 Billion in foreign and domestic investment over the ne t five years especially in the labour intensive manufacturing sector. This is in line with the ANC’s resolve to reindustrialise South Africa, grow the economy and create much needed obs for the many, who remain locked out of employment opportunities. In this regard, the resident has appointed four economic Special Envoys on investment who are charged with the responsibility to engage potential investors at home and abroad about the benefits of investigating in the South African economy. Beyond this, it is envisaged that an investment conference will be convened by the resident later this year in order to facilitate a conversation between business, government, labour and other key stakeholders. The conference is also e pected to put to bed issues of policy uncertainty where these may have served as a deterrent to enthusiastic investment. In what he has coined the Thuma Mina campaign, the resident has made a rallying call to all sections of the South African society to lend a hand in the efforts to create a better life for all. Inspired by the volunteerism of Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, whose twin centenaries are celebrated this year, resident Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to volunteer their time, energy and resources to improve the uality of life for fellow South Africans who are less fortunate. The progressive business community must determine its own role in this morally compelling campaign and play its part in creating a better life for all. nder resident Ramaphosa, a spirit of positivity and a sense of renewed hope have engulfed our country, thus compelling progressive business to seize the moment.
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