SA’s investment dreams lie with four envoys appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. One is former finance minister Trevor Manuel, who tells Ferial Haffajee about the need to develop a common narrative to sell the country’s prospects.
Since being appointed investment envoy, what have you been doing? As a group, we've had to try to develop a common narrative. It's interesting because we all have different experiences. [Former deputy finance minister] Mcebisi [Jonas] and I have ANC and government experience. Liberty chairman Jacko [Maree] has banking experience and business networks. Afropulse chair Phumzile [Langeni] has big business experience and while she may say "I don't have a political background", she has been an adviser to former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. We've got to develop a common narrative. The work is about how we are able to leverage our independent networks. One of the hard things is the unsolicited contacts I've had [since being appointed] have tended to be an endeavour to try and secure lobbying. I can't see myself asking for favours from ministers. It's not comfortable for any of us. Frequently issues are ones that must be resolved: if a company wants to establish an African headq...
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