President Cyril Ramaphosa has stabilised the governance of state-owned enterprises, making them more palatable to financiers. Prosecuting authorities are on the heels of those implicated in corruption and on Monday Ramaphosa appointed a formidable team to attract $100bn in investment. The appointment of Trevor Manuel, Mcebisi Jonas, Phumzile Langeni and Jacko Maree was informed by dismal data on capital formation in SA. Total fixed investment as a percentage of GDP declined from 24% in 2008 to about 19% in 2017, with foreign direct investment dropping to R17.6bn over the period. The team is supported by Wits alumnus and Business Day columnist Trudi Makhaya, who has been appointed as the president’s economic adviser. In societies that are deeply divided along class and racial lines there will always be differing views on the choice of candidates. However, this team is capable, experienced, globally networked and willing to serve.Manuel was written off by many in his early days as fin...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.