Black business council to tackle transformation

The Black Business Council held a consultative conference in Johannesburg, where the focus was on advocating for continued transformation in South Africa. CEO of the Black Business Council, Mohale Ralebitso, emphasized the urgent need for more significant progress in addressing the lack of representivity in the workforce and disparities in pay in the country. Ralebitso expressed concern that the current state of affairs in South Africa is reminiscent of its apartheid past, and called for decisive action to propel the nation into a new era of transformation. He highlighted the importance of Black entrepreneurs taking the lead in creating a more inclusive economy by establishing their businesses and challenging the status quo. Ralebitso criticized the government's inadequate efforts in driving transformation, pointing out the insufficiency of investments such as the National Empowerment Fund in facilitating meaningful change. He called for a more focused and substantial commitment to transformation, stressing the need for both the public and private sectors to play a more active role in advancing economic inclusivity. Ralebitso urged for a united effort towards building a prosperous South Africa where Black leaders and business owners are more prevalent. When questioned about the government's approach to transformation, Ralebitso expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the current 'light touch' strategy has not yielded the desired results. He called for a shift in mindset and a more robust approach from the government to drive tangible transformation. Ralebitso also addressed the issue of the perceived anti-transformation stance of the national treasury, clarifying that the Black Business Council's interactions with the treasury aimed to overcome obstacles hindering transformation rather than viewing them as adversaries. He emphasized the importance of restructuring policies to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape for all South Africans. In conclusion, Ralebitso emphasized the urgency of accelerating transformation efforts in South Africa to rectify historical injustices and build a more equitable society. He called for a collaborative approach between the government, private sector, and civil society to drive meaningful change and ensure a prosperous future for all citizens.