Economic Growth in South Africa since 1994 has on average rarely exceeded 2.5%. Moreover, this sustained period of mediocre growth has in recent years been severely undermined by the steady demise of governance through a process commonly known as ‘state capture’. In addition, the economy now faces the more immediate shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, just as the process of rolling back institutionalised corruption and formalising innovative economic growth plans has begun.
What then, can be done in South Africa over the next 500 days? If we were as a society to craft an integrated, short-term and practical set of growth, employment and development priorities, what would this look like? Developing such a 500-day plan arguably goes to the heart of our long-run future as a country.
The aim of the 2021 colloquium was to outline a range of short-term, actionable policy interventions that, together, could place South Africa on a new growth trajectory to fuel economic recovery and create more jobs over a 500 day period.
Participants’ input fed into key advisory fora – including the President’s Economic Advisory Council – and provided valuable insights to help inform the National Treasury’s Mid-Term Expenditure Framework, as well as the wider policy agendas of both government and the social partners.
Throughout its capacity-building journey CBPEP has learnt valuable lessons. It has hosted various colloquiums and dialogues which has led to this key lesson.
Always add value… then magic happens:
Through its annual colloquiums and dialogues, CBPEP has aimed to create spaces dedicated to rich debate and knowledge sharing. The colloquiums have promoted innovative thinking and opportunities to build long-term relationships. Fundamentally, these dialogues have aimed to stimulate policy debate that can affect real change in areas of employment promotion.
Day 1 focused on South Africa's fiscal environment and what could be achieved in the next 500 days. This theme explored the national debt crisis and SOE deficits and looked at policy revisions for improved tax revenue collection and mapped paths to fiscal consolidation.
Here are live-captured graphics from Day 1.
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On Day 2, the CBPEP Colloquium focused on opportunities for growth and employment in telecommunications, digital, energy, water and sanitation sectors, and engaged with private sector views on national priorities including banking, manufacturing, mining and the retail sectors.
Here are live-captured graphics from Day 2.
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On Day 3, the CBPEP Colloquium focused on opportunities for streamlining local government processes and addressing obstacles that inhibit progress. The participants also engaged with ideas generated on how to build state capacity and address municipal debt.
Here are live-captured graphics from Day 3.
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Click on the report cover to download the CBPEP Colloquium 2021 Report.
