Business weighs in on issues to be addressed by coalition govt
As coalition talks continue in earnest behind closed doors, business leaders have been weighing in on the type of coalition government they believe South Africa should have.
For the first time since the dawn of democracy, the African National Congress lost its majority in the National Assembly during the 2024 general elections.
It also failed to get the majority in three provinces.
In Gauteng, the party only secured 34% of the vote, while in the Northern Cape, it just fell short of 50%.
READ: South Africans want to be led by coalition - Ramaphosa
It also only managed the third-most votes in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Black Business Council's CEO, Kganki Matabane, believes the ANC should partner with parties aligned with broad-based black economic empowerment and employment equity.
"The market should not dictate what the country does because the country must first look at its own national interest. Otherwise, we will never address the issue of the poor. In South Africa, we have expanded the definition of 42% unemployment, and we have youth unemployment—that on its own is a threat to our economy. We can only address those issues if we come up with inclusive policies.”
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Business Unity South Africa's Khulekani Mathe says there should be a focus on greater investment opportunities.
"Promote inclusive growth. the independence of the South African Reserve Bank, fighting corruption and supporting investment and business-friendly policies. These should serve as a strong foundation for forming a government that will lead the country for the next five years."
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