Drakensberg, South Africa — The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum brought together an array of esteemed guests, thought leaders, and partners in a gathering aimed at promoting inclusive growth, economic progress, and social equity in South Africa. Speaking at the event, Mrs Gugu Motlanthe, Executive Trustee of the Foundation, extended a warm welcome to delegates, acknowledging their commitment to a shared vision for South Africa’s future.
Reflecting on the forum’s significance, Mrs. Motlanthe expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and support from diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, state-owned entities, and corporate partners. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome and thank all the special guests from our Government and State-owned companies and enterprises; and all of you, our valued partners, attending the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum,” she remarked.
Among the prominent sponsors was Absa Group, represented by Mr Faisal Mkhize, Chief Executive of Relationship Banking, as the principal funder of the forum. “We extend wishes of success in all their endeavors in the coming year,” Mrs. Motlanthe added.
Mrs Motlanthe also recognised the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Wu Peng for their sustained support. “The support from the People’s Republic of China and the Embassy in South Africa has been immeasurable, whether for KMF education programs, poverty alleviation, or pandemic response,” she stated, emphasising China’s consistent backing of various KMF initiatives. Notably, she celebrated the recent honorary doctorate awarded to former President Kgalema Motlanthe by the China Foreign Affairs University, marking him as the first former head of state to receive this honour from the People’s Republic of China.
*** KMF’s patron, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, former president of South Africa ***
The EU Delegation’s consistent support was highlighted as well, with a nod to Ambassador Sandra Kramer and Mr Cees-Jan Bever for their in-kind contributions that have bolstered the forum year after year.
In her address, Mrs Motlanthe acknowledged the forum’s role in creating a “dialogue among equals,” a unique, safe space for South Africans to engage in honest discussions on national challenges and shared hopes. “A special thank you to the many past participants for their candor in sharing deep reflections,” she noted, reinforcing the forum’s motto of fostering open dialogue.
Reflecting on South Africa’s current economic and social landscape, Mrs Motlanthe addressed the need for sustained efforts to tackle poverty, support job creation, and foster unity. She underscored the transformative potential of the Government of National Unity, remarking, “The GNU sets the tone for a country at work, in which all its people are encouraged to live and do business together.”
Despite the progress since 1994, Mrs Motlanthe emphasised the pressing need to continue addressing inequality, especially for marginalised groups, including women and youth. She highlighted concerning issues such as gender-based violence and youth unemployment, noting, “Women have suffered under structural apartheid, and now there is structural gender discrimination. An enormous amount of work remains to be done.”
*** Ambassador Sandra Kramer of the EU ***
As the forum continued, Mrs Motlanthe shifted focus to the challenges posed by resource constraints, emphasising the Foundation’s commitment to grassroots initiatives, especially in youth development, education, food security, and well-being. She stressed the urgent need for innovative approaches to agriculture, calling for technology that empowers small-scale farmers.
Finally, Mrs Motlanthe urged attendees to harness the energy of the forum to drive change in South Africa. “The state of affairs in the country, the continent, and the globe must energize us in our deliberations and actions beyond this beautiful valley to strive for improvement,” she concluded, expressing hope for a future where South Africans own the land they inhabit, build thriving local economies, and lead fulfilled lives.
In closing, Mrs Motlanthe expressed her gratitude to the Foundation’s supporters, acknowledging the challenges ahead and the unwavering commitment required to realise a brighter, more equitable future for South Africa.
*** Ambassador Wu Peng of China ***