Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota has challenged the South African business sector to partner the government in improving the performance of other African economies through meaningful investment.
Addressing an African National Congress (ANC) progressive business forum (PBF) meeting in Johannesburg this week, the ANC national chairperson said it was critical, particularly in post-conflict situations, to ensure the stability of countries and to enable them to meet the needs of their people.
Lekota said South African business needed to be more active in issues of African development.
While this would open up new possibilities for business, it would also contribute to the development, growth and stability of South Africa itself.
This should happen alongside government’s efforts to create conditions for accelerated and shared economic growth.
Lekota also called on the business sector to help in building a national consensus around the need to fight poverty, combat crime and uplift those in greatest need.
On the controversial PBF fund-raising scheme itself, which has drawn much criticism from the opposition, some calling it ”immoral”, Lekota said it had a ”unique and special role as an instrument of communication and dialogue between the ANC and business sector”. — Sapa