OPINION | South Africa is on a path to prosperity

We are nearing the end of what has certainly been an eventful year on so many fronts — from elections in about 70 countries representing half the world’s people, geopolitical shifts and businesses needing to adapt at pace to an evolving context. Reflecting on all of this, one clear constant for me is that South Africa continues to stand firm as a country of so many possibilities.

This year marked 30 years of democracy and freedom, and an epoch-making general election that birthed our government of national unity (GNU). The formation of the GNU not only paints a picture of democracy moving into the next phase of maturity and resilience but also builds on the acknowledgment that the challenges that South Africa faces can best be solved through a collective effort of pulling in the same direction by all stakeholders. From my perspective, it is clear that our new GNU is committed to building a nation that all South Africans can be proud of.

Dubbed a more inclusive governance approach, the GNU fosters a spirit of collaboration and co-operation. In a country that has achieved so much and that still has so much more potential — with strong institutions that protect the all-important rule of law, a crop of enthusiastic leadership across the GNU, and of course a rich endowment of mineral resources, this form of governing can propel us forward as a nation.

Such positivity is already expressed in rising investor confidence and a general sense of positive momentum among the international community. This is largely a result of the political stability and concerted efforts to strengthen collaboration and partnership to ensure a sustainable investment landscape and economic growth.

The South African Reserve Bank’s Economic Outlook shows that our country’s economy will be on the recovery path after struggling in 2023 and 2024. The latest SARB projections point to an average of 2% growth over each of the next three years. Of course, it is critical that we then see that growth translates into inclusive socioeconomic development, bolstering the fight against the three scourges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

That said, we all know that building a successful economy cannot be a job for the government alone. All stakeholders, particularly companies and civil society, must actively contribute to the course by catalysing, and giving structure to, strategic conversations about unlocking South Africa's future economic growth. Together, we must clear the path for businesses to thrive, invest and grow.

We have seen such progress with our energy system, restored to stability, while wind and solar are attracting significant inward investment. Logistics is the next nut to crack and, again, it is good to see the train leaving the station. These central systems of the economy form the backbone for confidence and credibility for investors.

It is in the interests of every business in South Africa to roll up its sleeves, get involved and help bring to reality the country we all want. After all, no business can prosper if the country is not on an upward trajectory — and vice versa.

Anglo-American’s roots run deep in South Africa, where it has nurtured partnerships over many decades with government, civil society, and labour. This is in our DNA. While we, too, evolve and transition towards a simpler and more agile global portfolio designed to deliver sustained growth, our commitment to South Africa and its success is as real as ever.

We can leverage the value that comes from hard-earned trust as a company that has been part of the fabric of South Africa for more than a century — to deliver enduring benefits in education, livelihoods, health and the wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people. I am so proud that we have been involved in co-creating solutions to some of the country’s most intractable challenges such as energy, crime and corruption, logistics and infrastructure.

Initiatives such as the B4SA — an alliance of business leaders working with the government and other social partners to step up, lead and help create and deliver sustainable solutions for South Africa — is a show of commitment, cultivated in a relationship of trust between government and business over time. It offers a platform for the president and cabinet ministers to have regular and direct engagements with business and wider society to tackle shared challenges, where there is frank discussion and genuine collaboration.

Having participated in the numerous business engagements facilitated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, I often reflect that our success is intertwined with the success of the country. The two go hand in hand.

Our sense of renewed national optimism coincides with South Africa’s presidency of the G20 which began last week, ushering in a year of opportunity. This is yet another vote of confidence in our country’s leadership, its capabilities and offerings to the global community. It is a unique 12 months for all stakeholders to rally behind South Africa and showcase the power of partnerships and collaborations as South Africa takes its rightful place in the community of nations.

We know South Africa can pull out all the stops and show the world what we can do. South Africa will deliver its G20 presidency with aplomb — Africa’s leader harnessing all its natural advantages in trade and diplomacy between north and south, east and west — with business playing its role (through the B20) to shine a light on all that our country offers to the world.

With the stars aligning for South Africa, let us harness all that we have to support our country and make sure that 2025 stands out for all the right reasons.

Duncan Wanblad is the CEO of Anglo-American. 

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