You’ve probably read an article or two about the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation and its annual Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, which took place last weekend against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains.
The articles most likely covered the compelling talks given by political, corporate leaders, diplomatic and civil society like Mncebisi Jonas, who said that the GNU would only be able to achieve coherence if the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) let go of old ideas and politics, as well as calling for a new productive elite that is vested in growth and institutional stability, and going further to point out that we need inclusive institutions that will encourage innovation and adaptability, as well as mobilise people behind the shared benefits of common solutions.
Or perhaps you read an article that focused on Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s delivery, whose mission to introduce the National Health Insurance (NHI) is plagued by endless lawsuits from the private healthcare sector, telling the delegates that the war against the NHI is not about government corruption but the protection of excessive profits made by the private healthcare sector.
Maybe you read about Faisal Mkhize, Absa’s Chief Executive for Relationship Banking, who stated that all members of society need to feel that they are part of the economic growth movement. His remarks mainly pointing out to the unfortunate habit of forgetting about the poor and leaving them behind in almost all situations, even though they, as founders and builders of small and medium enterprises, which provide the majority of employment in South Africa, play a vital role in advancing economic development, and then finally conclude his rhetoric by stating that their participation in the event underscores Absa’s dedication to empowering Africa’s growth and that they are happy to engage and collaborate with those who pursue similar objectives.
While you were fortunate to come across these precious gems of information, I was lucky to be present at the event and to hear everything straight from the horses’ mouths.
As a first-time attendee at this renowned event, hosted by former President Kgalema Motlanthe and his wife and KMF’s Executive Trustee, Mrs Gugu Motlanthe, I was thrilled by the quality, calibre, and diversity of the attendees and speakers. And I was struck by how honest and frank all the presenters were. I swear I am not gullible, rather, I sensed, as any human would, the sincerity of everyone who spoke. I watched them speak from their hearts. I saw them lose control, or rather let their emotions off guard as they talked about matters close to their hearts. I watched them try to express their anguish over the injustices caused by inequalities. I watched them desperately try to sell solutions that they believe will bring about systems that would grow every one.
I sat chained to my chair, unconcerned with the fact that I chose to skip breakfast and that lunch would be served at 14h30, wholly engrossed by the compelling arguments and pleas I could only hope were falling into the right ears this time. And I believed so, because the right people were in the audience, representing all pillars of economic growth, including Minister Blade Nzimande; Ambassador Wu Peng of China; Dr Stavros Nicolaou who is the Aspen Pharmacare Group’s Senior Executive; Mpumi Zikalala, CEO of Khumba Iron Ore; Kganki Matabane who is the CEO of the Black Business Council (BBC); Advocate Tembeka Nicolas Ngcukaitobi who commented on land issues versus the current dispensation; the young and aspirational Ms Asanda Lucawa who is the executive chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA); various representatives from education institutions, and more.
If you, like me, are wondering what impact this would have, I have an answer for you. Following the presentations, there were break-away sessions where the audience got to participate in discussion and solution-finding. Their feedback and all of the facts presented by the speakers will be compiled into a published report that will be shared with the government.
A truly honourable initiative by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation. I pray it brings us the economic growth and freedom we all yearn for.
If, I may conclude with my opinion. It seemed to me and many others at the event that South Africa is operating without a vision, let alone a clear one, there’s just no set vision. Maybe it’s an oversight, maybe we’re all learning and realising only now that we need one.
Though I debated this fact with other attendees who agreed with me and further raised the point at the break-away session, I still felt that no serious note was made of this very serious flaw – if indeed our observations of the flaw were true.
Therefore, I beg the South African government to choose a vision and communicate it to the citizens. You have to have a vision. I won’t go into the consequences of not having one.
It must be a single statement. For example: “We want South Africa to be a country where 90% of citizens are participating in the economy”.
This vision will then guide you to key focus areas such as, first and foremost, the physical and mental wellness of the citizens, prioritisation of the education of the masses, and so forth.
If there is, then perhaps the problem is communication. It needs be clearly communicated by government representatives to those who ask and to the citizens.
I’m looking forward to hearing about major progress made by all parties involved at the 2024 Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’ Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum.
Sithembile Masia
Editor