Jobs campaign: How SA can become part of Africa's economic success story
Note to editors: The following statement was distributed at a press conference hosted in Braamfontein today by DA Shadow Minister of Finance Tim Harris, DA National Spokesperson Mmusi Maimane, and Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde. A copy of the DA's document on "Opening South Africa for Business" can be downloaded here.
South Africa is at risk of becoming a bystander to an economic boom on the African continent. Inefficient regulation and an unfocussed trade strategy undermine the opportunities for job creation and poverty alleviation that could derive from increased trade, particularly with the rest of Africa.
Right now, instead of being buoyed by African growth, South Africa's economic growth is being "dragged down" by the recession in Europe. It's time to diversify our international trade.
Every so often our economy is subjected to a seismic shock of the proportions of the Marikana mine massacre. Since Thursday last week we have seen a dip in the JSE all share index, a weakening in the rand and a spike in reports on the perceived political risks related to investment in South Africa.
In the long term, if South Africa is to grow its economy and create jobs, we have to create a stable economic environment. This means an industrial relations dispensation that processes wage disputes fairly and efficiently. It means a criminal justice system that can maintain law, order and stability without unnecessary loss of life. It means economic policy certainty that will create and sustain investor confidence.