We are nearing the end of an eventful year — from elections in about 70 countries representing half the world’s people to geopolitical shifts and the need for businesses to adapt at pace to an evolving context. One clear constant is that South Africa continues to stand firm as a country of so many possibilities.
This year marked 30 years of democracy and an epoch-making election. The formation of the government of national unity (GNU) not only paints a picture of a democracy moving into the next phase of maturity and resilience, but builds on the acknowledgment that the challenges South Africa faces can best be solved by all stakeholders pulling in the same direction.
The GNU fosters a spirit of collaboration and cooperation. In a country that has achieved so much and that still has so much more potential — with strong institutions that protect the rule of law, enthusiastic leadership across the GNU and of course a rich endowment of mineral resources — this form of governing can propel us forward.
Logistics is the next nut to crack and, again, it is good to see the train leaving the station
Such positivity is already expressed in rising investor confidence and a general sense of momentum in the international community.
The South African Reserve Bank’s economic outlook shows we will be on the recovery path after struggling in 2023 and 2024. In fact, the latest Bank projections point to an average of 2% growth over each of the next three years. It is critical that we then see that growth translate into inclusive socioeconomic development, bolstering the fight against the scourges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
That said, we all know that building a successful economy cannot be a job for the government alone. All stakeholders, particularly companies and civil society, must actively contribute by catalysing, and giving structure to, strategic conversations about unlocking growth. Together, we must clear the path for businesses to thrive, invest and grow. We have seen such progress with our energy system, which has been restored to stability. Logistics is the next nut to crack and, again, it is good to see the train leaving the station. These central systems of the economy form the backbone for confidence and credibility for investors.
It is in the interests of every business in South Africa to roll up its sleeves, get involved and help bring to reality the country we all want. After all, no business can prosper if the country is not on an upward trajectory.
Anglo American’s roots run deep in South Africa. We have nurtured partnerships over many decades with governments, civil society and labour. This is in our DNA. While we, too, evolve and transition towards a simpler and more agile global portfolio designed to deliver sustained growth, our commitment to South Africa and its success is as real as ever.
We are able to leverage the value that comes from hard-earned trust as a company that has been part of the fabric of South Africa for more than a century to deliver enduring benefits in education, livelihoods and the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people. I am proud that we have been involved in co-creating solutions to some of the country’s most intractable challenges such as energy, crime and corruption, as well as logistics and infrastructure.
Initiatives such as Business for South Africa are a show of commitment, cultivated in a relationship of trust between the government and business over time. B4SA offers a platform for the president and cabinet ministers to have regular and direct engagements with business and wider society, where there is frank discussion and genuine collaboration.
Having been part of the numerous engagements facilitated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, I often reflect that our success is intertwined with the success of the country. The two go hand in hand.
Our sense of renewed national optimism coincides with South Africa’s presidency of the G20. This is yet another vote of confidence in our country’s leadership, its capabilities and offerings to the global community. It is a unique 12 months for all stakeholders to rally behind South Africa and showcase the power of partnerships and collaborations as South Africa takes its rightful place in the community of nations.
South Africa will deliver its G20 presidency with aplomb with business playing its role (through the B20) to shine a light on all that our country offers.
With the stars aligning for South Africa, let us harness all that we have to support our country and make sure that 2025 stands out for all the right reasons.
* Wanblad is CEO of Anglo American
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.