During the exam season, I would navigate my way to the Library and during my study breaks I would have robust discussions with SAWIP Alumnus and board member-Kgotsi Chikane. Essentially our concern is that South Africa’s economy is not operating at full potential and should the economy operate and maximise its potential, we would only reach growth levels of 3.5%. This is lower than the targeted 5% envisaged in the National Development Plan,and a far cry from the 8% targeted growth trajectory which the Democratic Alliance sees South Africa reaching.
As young leaders who care about South Africa’s wellbeing it is both concerning and exciting to see whats the value curve we will carve for our country,and how will we be able to boost prosperity for ordinary citizens.
Last Friday,at the SAWIP cocktail evening I found myself listening and engaging with SAWIP Board member Harry Calver and Joshua Nott-my team member. The same question was asked, “how do we get to move South Africa forward and whats our role in this” Joshua unpacked the theory of the Developmental state which is South Africa’s current economic model and we discussed various trends around trade finance,electric energy and human capital development.
I was satisfied with Harry’s words, he said that Government,Labour,Unions and Business we all need to be in harmony and work together in order to create sustainable solutions for our country,because fighting one another or trying to protects one piece of the cake will result in an unsustainable equilibrium in which we all end up worse of than before. We all need to work together towards reaching a common goal.