Telkom, Vodacom to put SA “back on track”
Vodacom chairman Peter Moyo, along with newly appointed chair at Telkom, Jabu Mabuza, are among 30 leading business executives who have warned that South Africa is in danger of unravelling.
In an advert published in City Press and the Sunday Times, the SA leads have committed to ensuring that South Africa is put “back on track” by supporting the National Development Plan and pledging to “promote a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery, fraud, corruption and anti-competitive business practices”.
The NDP aims to “eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society”.
The signatories included the chairpersons and chief executives of AngloGold Ashanti, Old Mutual, FirstRand, Nedbank and Merrill Lynch, Mark Cutifani of AngloGold Ashanti and Norman Mbazima of Kumba Iron Ore.
Mabuza and Moyo represent the telecoms sector, while additional names include Tiger Brands’ CEO, Peter Matlare, FirstRand chairperson Sizwe Nxasana, and Old Mutual chief executive Ralph Mupita.
The advert warns that “our country is in danger of unravelling,” if the issues highlighted in the NDP are not addressed.
The group highlighted the current state of South Africa’s labour relation. “Labour relations are under stress, some have lost confidence in our country’s long-term success and trust has to be rebuilt in key areas of our society? … We can renew faith in our country”
Education is another area of focus. “Our overriding goal will be to ensure that the school and university systems equip students with the skills they need to find good jobs and compete in the global marketplace.”
The signatories also called on government to step up. “We urge government to leverage and effectively implement existing policies and visions. Where appropriate, we will provide technical and management expertise, and will closely support the public sector to meet these goals.”
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