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By Sinazo Mkoko

At this year’s 54th annual meeting held by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, team South Africa addressed issues about the country’s progress in economic reforms, particularly in energy, transportation and logistics, and fighting crime.

In a statement released, the South African government said they used the platform to effectively engage investors, civil society, businesses, and governments, with the key message that South Africa remains a top destination for growth and investment.

The South African delegation, which included government, industry, and civil society leaders, was led by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana. Ministers Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Mondli Gungubele of Communications and Digital Technologies, Kgosientso Ramokgopa of Electricity, and Dr. Joe Phaahla of Health accompanied him.

The business delegation included business leaders and captains of industry for various sectors, including the financial sector, telecommunications, mining, agriculture, agro-processing, and green energy.

“We took the opportunity of the WEF Davos gathering to remind our partners around the world that South Africa has made tremendous progress in the past 30 years since we achieved democracy,” said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

“Yes, we face a number of obstacles to achieving policy that balances fiscal sustainability, growth-accelerating reforms, and targeted spending on social services and infrastructure. We are forging ahead and making good progress,” he said.

Read the Dec/Jan edition of Public Sector Leaders publication here: 

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Climate change, technology, commerce, and multilateral cooperation were all key priorities, as was South Africa’s future G20 leadership in 2025. “In addition to its participation in the G20, the country is playing a key part in the expansion of the BRICS group, as well as the deepening of intercontinental economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” they said.

Brand South Africa (BSA), South Africa’s marketing agency stated that after three decades of democracy, South Africa’s economy has become the continent’s most industrialised and diverse. Acting CEO Sithembile Ntombela said that the country’s presence at Davos aimed to highlight the country as a competitive business and investment destination.

She added that public-private partnerships are critical to elevating South Africa’s voice at WEF. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa,CEO of Naspers, which is also a part of BSA supporting the programme, said the year 2024 is a pivotal one for the country.

“We have to use South Africa’s democracy to mobilise the necessary investment to help realise our National Development Plan goals and create inclusive growth. The World Economic Forum is a critical platform to drive these conversations and for us to showcase what South Africa has to offer as a business and investment destination. We are excited to help drive this engagement and partner with the government in helping our country grow,” she said.

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