The economic history of the Afrikaner held many lessons for South Africa’s future growth, President Thabo Mbeki said on Friday. Of particular interest was the manner in which they tackled the problem of the poor white Afrikaner — brought about by English domination.
This upliftment was achieved largely by wealthier Afrikaner pooling their resources, and with the involvement of the Afrikaner institutions and political forums making an economic intervention to assist the poor.
Mbeki was speaking after receiving the Afrikanse Handelsinstituut’s Highest Award of honour at a gala dinner in Pretoria.
”This history tells that without strong economic development of a people, political emancipation may lose its meaning,” he said.
Today, the country was faced with the challenge of uplifting poor black South Africa.
”When we talk about change of the population, we are talking about creating the conditions to repeat an important victory,” Mbeki said.
To this end, the government fully supported the unification process in which the AHI was engaged with other formations like the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and the SA Chamber of Business.
AHI president Franklin Sonn said the Afrikaans-speaking part of South African society was transforming and reinventing itself into a non-racial and loyal part of the nation.
They were increasingly proud, not only to be South African, but also African.
Sonn said Afrikaners were committed to engaging with the government to achieving the objective of growth and equity.
”We support access to opportunities for all. Black economic empowerment is a powerful tool that will increase economic opportunities and growth.”
AHI Board of Trustees chairman Andre Lambrecht said the award was bestowed on Mbeki for the judgement he had exercised as the country’s leader. This has resulted in economic progress and the strengthening of South Africa’s relations with the rest of the world. – Sapa