Heavyweights discuss ways to empower economy
WESTCLIFF – A reflection of the poverty of half the African continent led to the call for private sector involvement.
South African industry giants met during the National Development Forum for discussions on The Private Sectors’ Role in National Development in South Africa, at The Four Seasons Hotel in Westcliff on 17 October.
The African Presidential Leadership Center (APLC) in partnership with Private Property and funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) hosted a breakfast meeting with business leaders.
APLC chairman ambassador Charles Stith said the organisation was formed with the intention of expanding the reservoir of wisdom and experience using the knowledge of former African presidents who they saw as a resource worth tapping into.
Referring to the Greenside High School Choir which rendered some musical pieces at the event, Stith said, “By hanging out with people who lead, the learners from Greenside will learn to lead. This is an opportunity and a forum for Africans to converse with other Africans on ways of forwarding the economy.”
Commissioner of the NLC, Thabang Charlotte Mampane said, “We hope this forum will have a great impact on our communities. Let’s conceptualise projects for our unemployed youth and women to empower them. We want to make sure that beneficiaries we fund including NPOs, NGOs and charities really do achieve what they set out to do.”
CEO of Private Property, Amasi Mwela said they were privileged to be at the centre of the business ecosystem. This was because they become the voice of the customer wanting to buy a property while on the other hand, they make sure the sellers get what they want. Mwela added, “We need to start looking at ways to make people move into the property industry and participate in such businesses.”
The former president of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete pointed out that Africa was the largest continent after Asia but it was the least developed. He added that citizens of 27 out of the 55 countries in Africa lived in poverty.
“This situation has to change and I believe the private sector can play a role in as much as the government has. It takes investment and trade to have economies grow, create jobs and empower people. The private sector needs to invest in education and healthcare as well as improve the business environment,” Kikwete said.
Which other roles do you think private sector can play to boost economy? Share your views on Facebook at Rosebank Killarney Gazette
Related Articles:
Private Property launches its inaugural Real Estate Industry Summit
Conference discusses how successful businesses can create social value ahead of profits
