Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday urged black business people to create their own opportunities rather than wait for government.<\/p>\n
“Black business cannot be content merely to await the opportunities that government will create,” he said at the Black Business Council in Gallagher Estate, Midrand.<\/p>\n
He said black business should develop its agenda for transforming the way business was conducted in the country.<\/p>\n
“Black business must lead, develop strategies and work with government and the rest of the business communities.”<\/p>\n
They should take the lead in producing thousands of professionals and mentor them afterwards.<\/p>\n
“The businesses must look at how emerging entrepreneurs can be financed, supported and provided with market access.”<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa told about 500 attendees that South Africa was looking at them to take the country forward.<\/p>\n
Business people would need financial support to fund their existing and new businesses.<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said government’s developmental finance institutions would provide increased access to affordable lending that supported diversification of the economy.<\/p>\n
“We can no longer ignore poor lending practices, expensive charges, lack of more inclusive and accessible financing.”<\/p>\n
Government was prepared to do its part by fostering an environment for growth and investment.<\/p>\n
“The support of government is there. Black business will have themselves to blame if they don’t take up the opportunities.”<\/p>\n
Pupils should be taught about business from an early age so in the future they could take the country forward.<\/p>\n
“The poor quality of education to many black students has limited their employment opportunities.”<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa said black business should work with government to bridge the gap between institutions and the world of work.<\/p>\n
“The council has a role to play in identifying where needs exist and develop proposals on how to address them.”<\/p>\n
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