Business and government leaders must collaborate more closely than ever to grow South Africa’s economy, according to political analyst and author Justice Malala.
Malala addressed members of Exporters Eastern Cape at a Business Breakfast held on Friday, March 6 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
The event was hosted by Exporters Eastern Cape in partnership with BLG Logistics of South Africa and focused on the challenges and opportunities facing South African exporters in a complex global environment.
Collaboration key to economic growth
Malala told attendees that while resilience is essential in today’s uncertain geopolitical climate, collaboration between business, government and organisations is even more important.
He praised organisations such as Exporters Eastern Cape for building partnerships that drive economic activity and create opportunities.
“It shows us what can be achieved if we all work together,” said Malala.
“There are areas where you see a lot of changes that we should not take in vain with reforms taking place. Eskom is beginning to work. The more incentives we have, the more factories we can put up and partner to do better and get more work.
“We can do more to make it easier and attractive for people to come and establish businesses here.”
Strengthening partnerships with logistics stakeholders
Earlier in the programme, Exporters Eastern Cape chairman Quintin Levey told members that the organisation’s strategic leadership team would soon meet with Transnet to discuss exporter logistics challenges.
The meeting aims to strengthen collaboration with the state-owned logistics company and improve supply chain efficiencies for exporters in the region.
Malala emphasised that unity within the business community would be essential in addressing broader economic and governance challenges.
“The most important thing we are going to have to do for ourselves and our businesses is to make sure we are united and use organisations like Exporters Eastern Cape to get things done,” he said.
“Without being organised, we are all finished. If we want to fix the country and all the big issues we face, we all have to work in a way that says: let’s work together.”
Leadership needed in uncertain global climate
While international geopolitical tensions remain a concern for South African businesses, Malala said there are also signs of progress locally.
He pointed to the formation of the Government of National Unity as a potential opportunity for reform and stability.
Malala noted that progress in addressing the country’s electricity crisis shows what strong leadership can achieve.
“Three years ago loadshedding was a real crisis, but now it is almost like another world and things have changed substantially,” he said.
“In 1994, leadership was what saved the country, and we are back at a time where geopolitics are so sensitive that we are going to need leadership to navigate the unknowns.”
He also predicted significant shifts ahead of the upcoming local government elections later this year, adding that corruption at all levels of government must continue to be exposed to act as a deterrent.
‘Glimmers of hope’ for the economy
Opening the event, Shane Gerber described the recent economic developments in South Africa as “glimmers of hope”.
Gerber welcomed the opportunity for business leaders to engage on the challenges facing exporters and highlighted the importance of partnerships between the private sector and logistics stakeholders.
Exporters Eastern Cape thanked event partners BLG Logistics of South Africa and the Radisson Blu Hotel for supporting the business breakfast and contributing to a valuable discussion on the future of South Africa’s export sector.
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