South Africa’s unity government to focus on inclusive economic growth and job creation

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday that South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) will prioritize inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

“Placing inclusive economic growth at the center of the GNU’s efforts is our top priority,” Ramaphosa declared during the opening of the Seventh Parliament in Cape Town.

This address was notable as it coincided with former President Nelson Mandela’s birthday, who also led a GNU during South Africa’s first democratic government in 1994.

“Our 30-year experience shows that economic growth leads to job creation, while economic contraction results in job losses,” Ramaphosa emphasized.

He stated that the GNU will actively pursue all actions that contribute to sustainable and rapid economic growth, removing any obstacles that hinder progress. The government is committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive, transformational, and promotes the redistribution of wealth and opportunities.

“It must empower black South Africans, women, and those previously marginalized,” he added.

Ramaphosa highlighted that this initiative aims to address the historical imbalances caused by apartheid and the slow development process.

“Inclusive growth requires affirming the roles of women and youth in the economy and removing barriers that prevent full participation of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” he said.

Following national and provincial elections on May 29, where Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority after three decades of governance without a coalition, the ANC formed the GNU in partnership with nine other parties. Ramaphosa appointed members from these parties as ministers and deputy ministers in his Cabinet.

South Africa is a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).