By Saul Molobi
Drakensberg, South Africa – Addressing attendees at the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science and Innovation, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the intertwined challenges of democracy and governance in South Africa. Emphasising the need for a transformative approach to governance, Dr Nzimande’s address touched on critical issues, from economic disparities and education reform to the role of technology in governance.
Dr Nzimande opened by expressing his appreciation for the Kgalema Motlanthe’s Foundation’s work, noting that the forum provides a valuable platform for robust discussions on issues essential to South Africa’s future. “Let me congratulate the Foundation for the work it is doing, truly reflecting its patron’s commitment to creating spaces where critical issues can be tackled,” he said.
Highlighting economic inequalities as one of the most pressing challenges facing South Africa’s democracy, Dr Nzimande argued: “Our constitution, good as it is, can sometimes feel like an unfunded mandate. While we have progressive ideals, resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, making it difficult to fulfill the promises we make in our constitution.”
According to Dr Nzimande, the structural features of South Africa’s economy exacerbate the inequalities that impact governance. He pointed out that political office, especially at the local level, has increasingly become a lifeline for those affected by high unemployment. “The reality is that for many, becoming a local councilor is a means of survival rather than just a position of service,” he explained, adding that this dynamic often contributes to political tensions and conflicts.
Dr Nzimande’s call for educational reform underscored the importance of diversifying the post-school system to better meet the needs of South Africa’s youth. “Our post-school education and training system is overly focused on universities,” he stated, “with 70% of the budget going to university education, but only six out of 100 learners who start Grade 1 end up attending university.” This focus, he argued, overlooks the importance of vocational training, which could provide alternative pathways for employment and economic participation for a greater number of young people.
Touching on the topic of science, technology, and innovation, Dr Nzimande expressed optimism about the transformative power of these tools. He applauded the South African Revenue Service’s embrace of artificial intelligence, calling for greater integration of science and technology across government to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption. “If we are to address the heart of democracy and governance, we need to embrace science, technology, and innovation,” he said, urging that the forum champion these advancements as part of South Africa’s developmental agenda.
In his closing remarks, Dr Nzimande acknowledged the complex landscape South Africa faces, concluding: “At the heart of our challenge lies the gap between economic inequalities and our institutions. Addressing these will be essential for ensuring a sustainable democracy.”
In his address, H.E. Wu Peng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, emphasized the enduring and deepening collaboration between China and Africa. Speaking at the scenic Dragonsburg Convention Center, Ambassador Wu shared insights on the critical role China plays in fostering Africa’s economic modernization, citing recent initiatives by President Xi Jinping and highlighting how China’s approach aligns with Africa’s development goals.
At the heart of his message, Ambassador Wu noted that China’s philosophy respects Africa’s autonomy, aligning Chinese partnerships with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and individual countries’ development plans. “The wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not,” Wu remarked, underlining that Africans alone understand the best path for their development. Reflecting on China’s commitment to supporting this vision, he described the recent four-point action framework introduced at the Beijing FOCAC summit, including an infrastructure-first strategy, investments in agriculture, and a renewed focus on industrialization.
China’s role in Africa has extended to notable projects across the continent, including the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and development of renewable energy projects, such as wind farms operated by Chinese companies in South Africa. Ambassador Wu lauded such efforts as pivotal for building Africa’s infrastructure backbone, fostering regional economic integration, and supporting the continent’s green transition. Notably, China’s involvement in South Africa’s N3 highway project is seen as vital for regional trade, as the route serves key export hubs like the Durban Port, which facilitates the export of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Ambassador Wu also highlighted a long-term approach to trade, particularly by opening China’s markets to African goods. He noted the success of recent agreements facilitating South African agricultural exports to China, including fresh avocados, while encouraging further opportunities for African countries to export value-added products. While acknowledging concerns about an imbalance in trade, Wu asserted that China’s approach remains non-reciprocal, offering unilateral trade advantages to South Africa to foster a stable and mutually beneficial partnership.
Training and education were also a focal point, with China’s Luba Workshop initiative, which has established vocational training centers in 15 African countries, including South Africa. These programs are instrumental in building local expertise in fields such as railway technology and engineering, with a commitment to empowering youth and women in the workforce. China will provide 60,000 vocational training opportunities over the next three years, which, according to Ambassador Wu, will enhance Africa’s human resource potential and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
The ambassador concluded his remarks by underscoring China’s view of itself as a partner, not a savior. “China has never arrogantly believed it is Africa’s game-changer,” he said. Instead, he emphasized that Africa has the resources and resilience to drive its own development. China, he stated, aims to be an equal partner, offering support that aligns with Africa’s priorities.
As China and Africa enter what Ambassador Wu described as a “new era of opportunity,” he pledged that China would continue working closely with South Africa to diversify trade and enhance value-added exports, thus ensuring that the partnership serves the people of both nations.
Sandra Kramer, head of the European Union delegation to South Africa, outlined a progressive vision for Africa-EU relations. Reflecting on the last year’s advancements, Kramer spoke of Africa’s recent strides on the global stage, including the continent’s upcoming presidency at the G20 and a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, describing these as signals of Africa’s rising influence in global governance.
“Who would have thought one year ago that we would be able to boast that the African Union has a permanent member seat in the G20?” Kramer remarked, underscoring the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Africa’s emerging leadership.
Kramer emphasized that the historical donor-recipient dynamic has evolved into a partnership built on mutual interests and shared goals. She highlighted the significance of the EU as Africa’s largest trading partner and foreign investor, especially in South Africa, where trade is increasingly diversified and focused on sustainable practices. Over 70% of South Africa’s exports to Europe are value-added goods, from machinery to food products, she noted, stressing that this model exemplifies a forward-looking partnership that fosters job creation, skills development, and good governance.
Highlighting the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, Kramer explained its mission to build sustainable infrastructure connections across continents, grounded in shared values and people-centered priorities. This initiative places Africa at the center of the EU’s plans to invest in green technologies and critical mineral value chains, aiming to stimulate local economies while contributing to both regions’ green transitions.
Kramer identified four key pillars for strengthening the Africa-EU relationship: 1) transforming from a donor-recipient model to a partnership of equals, 2) fostering Africa’s strategic autonomy, 3) addressing global conflicts collaboratively, and 4) advancing global standards through dialogue and shared action.
On strategic autonomy, Kramer celebrated recent EU collaborations with South Africa, including support for developing locally produced mRNA vaccines and South Africa’s growing green hydrogen sector. In her view, these efforts illustrate the EU’s dedication to empowering Africa to drive its health, industrial, and clean energy transformations. “This is about a genuine partnership,” Kramer stressed, adding that investments in sectors like green hydrogen are projected to generate future jobs and diversify South Africa’s economy.
Acknowledging the global crises impacting Africa, Kramer underlined the EU’s active role in addressing regional conflicts, from supporting peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthening the Mozambican armed forces, where South African forces are also engaged. She called for a holistic approach that addresses root causes by combining humanitarian, security, and development actions.
Kramer also spoke on the EU’s commitment to listening more effectively to African countries, particularly regarding EU regulations that may affect African economies, such as the carbon border adjustment mechanism. She emphasized the need for closer dialogue and targeted support to ensure African partners can navigate and benefit from new policies.
Drawing her speech to a close, Kramer reiterated her hope for a dynamic Africa-EU partnership that actively shapes a fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive global order. “The poem by Goethe I quoted is about challenges and changes, but it’s not a story of despair. It’s a tale of hope,” she concluded, calling for a collective effort to “move forward together.”
Ambassador Kramer’s address served as a rallying call for an Africa-EU partnership that transcends historical narratives, aiming to deliver substantive, shared achievements in a rapidly evolving world.
In a compelling address, Nicolau Stavros, Senior Group Executive at Aspen Pharmacare and a trustee of the BRICS Business Council, presented a vision for aligning South Africa’s foreign policy with economic strategies amid a dynamic global market. He stressed the significance of strategic partnerships with emerging and established economies alike to boost trade, attract investment, and close trade deficits. His message comes as the BRICS bloc considers expanding its influence, potentially increasing opportunities for South Africa.
Stavros began by commending the event, noting its significance for fostering “inquisitive minds” in conversations that shape the nation’s economic and political future. He pointed out that a critical priority for South Africa, as it navigates the complex global trade landscape, is maintaining a balance among Western, Eastern, and Southern partners. “We’re not picking sides,” Stavros stated. “BRICS complements our ties to the West and the emerging South, provided we remain committed to acting in the best economic interests of South Africa.”
Stavros highlighted that BRICS accounts for nearly 50% of the global population and represents over 30% of the world’s GDP, underscoring its significance as a trading bloc. As BRICS nations like China and India dominate South African trade within the grouping, he suggested that ongoing partnerships could help address trade imbalances. “South Africa records a collective $15 billion trade deficit with BRICS nations – double what it was in 2011,” he noted, attributing the deficit to an over-reliance on exports of primary commodities, which need to be supplemented with more value-added products.
To reverse these trends, Stavros called for a pragmatic approach, advocating that South Africa deepen its industrial base and promote exports of manufactured goods rather than raw materials. “We’re exporting iron ore and manganese, but that’s not enough. We must transition into exporting more finished goods if we want BRICS to truly benefit our economy,” he urged.
Stavros also shared insights on Saudi Arabia’s economic potential, emphasizing the complementary nature of South Africa-Saudi trade relations. Despite Saudi Arabia’s heavy reliance on petroleum, its Vision 2030 strategy presents promising avenues for South African businesses, particularly in sectors such as mining and pharmaceuticals. “Saudi’s push for diversification – dubbed ‘Saudization’ – represents a significant opportunity for us,” he said, mentioning that Aspen’s own sector, pharmaceuticals, is a ripe area for collaboration.
Looking ahead, Stavros concluded with a rallying call for closer public-private cooperation in South Africa, aiming to better map out economic priorities that align with both government and business interests. “There’s a new spirit of collaboration between government and business. By coming together, we can bridge these trade deficits and build an economy that thrives within both the BRICS framework and beyond.”
Stavros’ address received considerable attention from business leaders and policymakers alike, setting the stage for expanded dialogue on how South Africa can leverage its BRICS membership and other strategic alliances to achieve economic resilience and growth.
In a thought-provoking address, Andile Sangqu, Chairperson of Transnet Holdings, responded to the economic and structural issues raised at a recent forum, challenging both public and private sectors to address the nation’s core challenges. With a focus on creating a more robust economy, Sangqu highlighted the necessity of aligning economic policies, investment strategies, and partnerships to bring South Africa’s constitutional aspirations to life.
Sangqu opened by addressing Dr Blanton’s assertion of the South African Constitution’s “unfunded mandate”, agreeing that while it captures the country’s ideal future, it needs active funding and commitment. “If indeed the constitution is an unfunded mandate, then what is our role as people in this room to fund that mandate?” he asked. He emphasised that realizing the constitution’s potential requires not just policy on paper but action to impact South Africans’ lives tangibly. Sangqu advocated for public institutions and the economy itself to take on the responsibility of narrowing the gap between constitutional promises and reality.
Addressing calls to rethink South Africa’s economic model, Sangqu urged for a robust, research-backed approach. “We need empirical research to back us in that,” he stated, highlighting the importance of not just rethinking but actively designing actionable alternatives. Sangqu argued that any new model must hold the same promise as the current one in upholding constitutional values, particularly in addressing employment, poverty, and economic equality.
Expressing concern for vocational education’s decline, Sangqu reminisced about technical colleges from his youth, which played an essential role in skill development for those who did not pursue academia. He urged attendees to consider practical actions to revitalise vocational training and expressed his own preference for concrete measures over abstract ideas. Furthermore, Sangqu emphasised integrating science, technology, and innovation into the economy as powerful tools to overcome historical socioeconomic challenges. He highlighted opportunities within BRICS partnerships to unlock this potential, creating an environment where technology could help South Africa leapfrog over these issues.
In his remarks, Sangqu commended the strategic partnership with China in green energy, acknowledging South Africa’s pressing energy supply issues. He spoke of the importance of creating sustainable solutions to support the economy while keeping affordability at the forefront. Highlighting China’s investment in the Port of Durban, Sangqu underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in envisioning Transnet’s future, not as a replication of the past, but through fresh, innovative models.
Sangqu also acknowledged the role of climate change, stressing the need for resilient infrastructure in ports and railways. He noted that “incremental weather” disrupts operations, underscoring that climate-resilient design is crucial. According to Sangqu, private partnerships could improve access to resource-rich areas where existing infrastructure falls short, thereby stimulating economic growth.
Addressing trade deficits within BRICS, Sangqu highlighted the concern that South Africa imports more goods from these countries than it exports. He urged for clear strategies to recalibrate this deficit, particularly in industries with the potential to narrow the gap. On a positive note, Sangqu praised opportunities for South African agricultural exports, such as avocados and dairy, underscoring the mutual benefits of BRICS trade relationships.
As his address drew to a close, Sangqu commended recent collaborative successes between business and government, citing the strong progress as evidence of positive transformation. He described his own experience in leading Transnet as a testament to the possibilities when government and private sectors work in concert.
Sangqu’s address underscored a clear vision for South Africa’s future, rooted in accountable economic policies, technological innovation, and robust partnerships. With determined action across sectors, Sangqu envisions a South Africa where constitutional promises are fully realized and where both public and private investments forge a prosperous, sustainable future.