Ramaphosa to take sober approach on radical economic transformation

Let’s be radical but inclusive, let everybody be a participant in our economic transformation. That’s the unequivocal gist of ANC presidential hopeful Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic vision.

He espouses radical economic transformation (RET) as an ANC policy, but does not believe that it should be about robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Ramaphosa, who is among seven candidates vying for the ANC presidency at the party’s December national conference, believes everybody should contribute to the transformation and growth of the economy.

His campaign message centred around ANC renewal, anti-corruption and economic transformation. A united and vibrant ANC, a corruption-free state and a growing economy would be the key pillars of his leadership.

Several people close to the Ramaphosa campaign told The Citizen that unlike other candidates who make fiery rhetoric around RET, Ramaphosa would take a sober approach to the matter.

His vision on the issue was not to fight with or antagonise big business, but to engage it and make it understand why change was necessary.

“In reality, we need radical economic transformation and Ramaphosa is the best to lead that,” a senior ANC member said.

“He is able to engage both business and labour if you consider his position in the National Economic Development Labour Council.

“He is able to bring the social partners together, that’s what needs to happen to our economy.”

The economy deteriorated due to the lack of trust by both business and labour in the current administration. There was a need to be sensitive but firm about transformation.

“At the moment, there is low business and investor confidence and we need to correct that if we are to achieve the goal of economic growth,” said the politician.

According to Ramaphosa, real economic growth and transformation would happen once there was investment. – ericn@citizen.co.za