President Cyril Ramaphosa promises that the government of national unity (GNU) will prioritise inclusive growth and job creation.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the Opening of Parliament at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.
He said to ensure this economic growth, the GNU will pursue programmes that encourage broad-based economic empowerment (BEE), employment equity, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Focus on growing economy
“Our experience over the past 30 years has shown that when our economy grows, jobs are created. When our economy contracts, there is no job creation, and jobs are lost.
“The government of national unity will pursue every action that contributes to sustainable, rapid economic growth. [It will] remove every obstacle that stands in the way,” said Ramaphosa.
According to the president, the planned economic growth requires that all barriers be broken down. These include social, economic and cultural barriers.
This growth is expected to benefit women and youth. He said it will also benefit black citizens and those who are relegated to the fringes of the economy.
“We will support the growth of rural enterprises and invest in public infrastructure in under-serviced areas.”
Role of municipalities crucial
He said municipalities should play a part in attracting investment. In providing social services, and facilitating inclusive growth at local levels.
He said investors were drawn to reliable and modern infrastructure. And if municipalities prioritised this, more jobs would be created.
“Simplifying and speeding up planning and regulatory processes. This …can make it easier for businesses to invest and operate in a municipality, thus creating more jobs. As the national government, we have a constitutional responsibility and a clear electoral mandate. This is to assist municipalities in the effective exercise of their powers and functions,” said Ramaphosa.
“We will put in place systems to ensure that capable and qualified people are appointed to senior positions in municipalities. And ensure independent regulation and oversight of the appointment process.”
