Finance Minister meet Ekurhuleni business
Finance minister Pravin Gordhan met a select group of business people, many from Ekurhuleni, and also local councillors, on April 9.
The meeting was arranged by the ANC Task Team on Suburbs in order for businesspeople from a cross cut of industries and of various sizes from over Gauteng to meet with the minister.
Gordhan addressed the business community at the Innovation Circle at the University of Johannesburg.
During the meeting, Gordan said South Africa needs a new spirit of cooperation if it is to meet its targets for economic development.
He also highlighted the fact that the National Development Plan has set a target of creating 11-million jobs in the next 20 years.
Gordhan said all sectors of society need to work together to bring about change.
“What we need now is for leaders from each of the sectors in business to put aside differences and say we are going to have a singular focus on delivering economic development.
“If we do that and focus on delivery on the ground in terms of changing the sentiment about the economy, changing the perceptions of the South African economy and invest ourselves in the South African economy then we could certainly see a better future for ourselves and our people.”
The minister has also requested that local government and local business must take hands to ensure a brighter future.
Neil Diamond, ANC Task Team head for Suburbs in Ekurhuleni and chairperson of Finance said: “Local government are supporting the creation of business development initiatives.
“This is clear judging by the energy, initiative and creativity that comes from the business community.
“Business people are actively participating in economic affairs and are partners of government to create jobs and alleviate unemployment and poverty in the country. The recent announcement by Transnet to modernise its locomotive and coach fleet is a prime example of how government and business are injecting billions in the economy to create a better life for all.
“Ekurhuleni is the manufacturing hub of the South African and the local economy, so the community will significantly benefit from this investment.
“Together we are building a better Ekurhuleni, and a better South Africa.”
Businesses can contact him directly on Diamond.Neil@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
