When Nelson Mandela became the South African president in 1994, he brought about a new era to South Africa. An era of political and economic equality.
However, 24 years later, is there truly economic equality within the ranks of the South African business sector?
On Friday, September 28, a business session was held at the old Monte Vista Casino. Hosted by the Amajuba District Municipality, the night saw just how much further South Africans must go before they reach economic equality.
Overseeing the session is Gugulethu Xaba, an economic development specialist.
“I run my own business, Adamopix, whose vision is to spearhead economic development in Southern Africa. Adamopix has set for itself a mandate to utilise its skills and capabilities in the pursuit of creating and promoting profitable and sustainable economic development projects in South Africa and the SADC Region.”
Xaba also has a special slot every Tuesday on Ukhozi FM. Named Vukhela, Xaba focuses on economic growth and entrepreneurship. “Which is what the session here is all about,” he says.
The aim of the session is to deal with transparency, equality and getting people to work together. With current tensions running high in South Africa, Xaba hopes the programme will assist people in forming entrepreneurial projects and assist them to find which market is best suited for them.
At the event, Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane, as well as business individuals and community members united to see how they can boost the local economy.
“South Africa is blessed to be such a diverse country, but we are at a critical junction,” emphasises Xaba. With people looking for answers to the current economic climate, he believes it is time to empower people and take advantage of the vast economic space in the country.
This economic space includes mining, rural development, agriculture and infrastructure development.
Sibonele Nzimande of Tourism Development, Marketing and Airport Operations at the Newcastle Municipality believes the session is sure to benefit the local economy.
“It gives the area the opportunity for transformation in a positive way. The biggest challenges faced at the moment are the ways to address issues South Africans face.”
One of these issues is integration. However, Nzimande explains through Xaba’s input, people don’t feel obligated to integrate. Rather, they are put in a situation where integration is the only possible solution.
“Integration is the key to success, as no one can do everything alone. But we need to observe the procedures and protocols that are currently in place. At the same time, the economy and economic development don’t always recognise boundaries put in by the legislature,” he explains.
This is why he feels South Africans need to work together. By ensuring there is economic equality, the traction needed to boost the economy is then possible.
Nzimande feels that some of the key factors are that the community needs to focus on our local agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors. This is to promote job creation and ensuring we use the resources available to South Africa.
“We also need to conduct the necessary research. This to ensure we keep up with current trends, in order to grow.”
Dr Ngubane explains it is instrumental that the government takes the lead in promoting economic equality and development. But, he emphasises on the importance of questioning the government, if there are problems.
“People are talking about radical transformation. But, if we do not define what radical transformation is, we will see people becoming radical everywhere. The Amajuba District Municipality must lead the way. But we need people to stand up and work with us.”
Which is why Dr Ngubane feels people need to see where the needs of the people are. From there, they must make constructive changes, focusing on inclusivity and equality.
By seeking entrepreneurial opportunities, both the Amajuba District and South Africa have the chance to grow, encouraging people to take the steps and become entrepreneurs.
