SOUTH African billionaire Dr Iqbal Survé, in the second part of a wide-ranging interview the Sunday Independent this week, emphasised the urgent need to solve the severe difficulties that the country is facing.
Survé noted that there was a significant disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished in South Africa, as well as disturbingly high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and an increasing incidence of gangsterism.
The data present a bleak picture and as far as Survé is concerned, they are signs that a society is on the verge of collapsing.
“The statistics paint a grim picture … South Africa faces a massive gap between the rich and the poor, alarmingly high unemployment rates, rampant poverty, and escalating gangsterism. These are indicators of a society on the brink of collapse,” he said.
However, he cautioned that South Africans cannot function in isolation in the face of widespread poverty within the country. His criticisms focused on the intricacy of the policies that are now in place, suggesting that they do not provide the outcomes that are wanted.
“South Africans cannot function in isolation amidst widespread poverty. We need substantial investment in infrastructure to support economic expansion, which is fundamental for sustainable development,” he said.
Survé called for collaborative ventures between the public and private sectors in various industries, including agriculture and manufacturing, with the goal of creating at least a million jobs annually.
“Comprehensive skill development is essential. Youth training programmes must extend beyond coding to enable them to leverage various platforms and actively participate in the economy A transition to a green economy, without compromising the country's core energy base, has the potential to inject billions into the economic landscape,” he said.
Survé suggested seven actionable activities that could be taken to rectify the situation:
- Enhance investment in infrastructure:
- Joint ventures between the public and private sectors:
- Upskilling the youth:
- Transition to a green economy:
- Single political mission:
- A comprehensive evaluation of the education curriculum:
- Collaboration with the Global South:
Survé emphasised the need for a unified charter or mission among the country’s political parties, aimed at implementing a five-year programme to eradicate poverty and inequality. He further said a thorough review of the education curriculum was necessary to ensure that educational programmes aligned with job market demands.
“South Africa must engage with the Global South. India's economic achievements and those of other nations in the Global South are impressive,” he said.
The all-encompassing plan that Survé has developed basically highlights the importance of making quick and coordinated efforts to address the socioeconomic issues that South Africa is currently facing.
Through the implementation of his seven-step strategy, he intends to promote sustainable development, lessen the impact of inequality, and establish South Africa as a strong participant on the international scene.