Expert lauds Cyril's push for partnerships to aid growth

A leading economist has lauded President Cyril Ramaphosa for pushing for a stakeholder inclusive partnership model he described as the key pillar of economic growth and progress.

- Brian Sokutu

In his weekly column, Ramaphosa said the government of national unity (GNU) placed partnership at the centre of its work.

"As this administration took office last year, we made a commitment to reach out across society, to find solutions to the challenges our country faces.

"While South Africa has a rich history of dialogue and cooperation, our experience of the Covid pandemic underlined how important collaboration was in saving lives and livelihoods.

"It showed the value of effective coordination across the state and with other sectors of society," said Ramaphosa.

Citing the workings of Operation Vulindlela, the President's Coordinating Council, Presidential eThekwini Working Group, National Electricity Crisis Committee, Aids Council and the Human Resource Development Council, Ramaphosa said a partnership, which included government, business and organs of civil society, had proven to be effective.

"One of the areas where partnerships within the state have had the greatest impact is in Operation Vulindlela," he said.