Distinguished Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Honourable Judith
Nemadzing-Tshabalala
Members of the Board,
Representatives from government, industry, labour and academia,
Esteemed stakeholders and partners, Productivity SA Executive members and staff

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.

It is my distinct honour and privilege, on behalf of the Board of Productivity SA, to
welcome you to the launch of three important research reports that speak directly to
the future of South Africa’s industrial development, competitiveness, productivity, and
inclusive economic growth.

Today’s engagement reflects more than the release of research publications. It reflects
a commitment to knowledge-driven economic transformation and to building an
economy that is productive, resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.

We are particularly honoured by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Employment
and Labour, whose participation underscores government’s commitment to advancing
industrialisation, employment creation, localisation, and sustainable economic
development.

Former President Nelson Mandela once said:
“Action without vision is only passing time. Vision without action is merely
daydreaming. But vision with action can change the world.”

Today’s launch is about vision with action.

These reports are not merely academic documents. They are strategic instruments
intended to stimulate dialogue, influence policy, unlock opportunities, and strengthen
South Africa’s productive capacity in sectors that are critical to economic growth and
job creation.

At a time when South Africa continues to confront slow economic growth, rising
unemployment, inequality, and increasing global competition, evidence-based
research becomes more important than ever. Research enables us to move beyond
assumptions and towards practical solutions that can unlock industrial growth,
enhance competitiveness, and create sustainable livelihoods for our people.
The three reports being launched today focus on sectors and policy areas that hold
significant strategic importance for our country.

The first report explores the South African Ocean Economy — a sector with
enormous untapped potential to stimulate industrialisation, deepen regional trade,
create jobs, and expand opportunities for SMMEs. South Africa’s geographic position
places us at the centre of some of the world’s busiest maritime routes, presenting
opportunities that extend far beyond ports and shipping into manufacturing, boat
building, logistics, tourism, aquaculture, skills development, and export-led growth.
As author John F. Kennedy once remarked: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Indeed,
the ocean economy has the potential to lift entire value chains, industries,
communities, and future generations — if we are deliberate about inclusion,
coordination, and investment.

The second report examines Local Content Requirements and Productivity in the
South African Automotive Industry through a comparative analysis with BRICS
economies. The automotive sector remains one of South Africa’s most important
manufacturing industries and a major contributor to exports, employment, and
industrial capability. Yet despite its progress, the sector continues to face challenges
relating to import dependency, localisation, and global competitiveness.
This study provides valuable insights into how industrial policy instruments such as
local content requirements can be leveraged to deepen domestic manufacturing,
strengthen supply chains, stimulate productivity, and support long-term industrial
development.

As management thinker Peter Drucker wisely stated: “The best way to predict the
future is to create it.” South Africa cannot consume its way into prosperity. We
must produce, innovate, manufacture, and compete.

The third report provides an Overview of the South African Furniture Industry — a
sector with strong backward linkages to forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, design,
logistics, and retail. The industry presents significant opportunities for localisation,
enterprise development, employment creation, and the meaningful participation of
emerging businesses and previously disadvantaged communities.

Importantly, this report aligns with government’s broader objective of rebuilding South
Africa’s industrial base and strengthening sectors that can absorb labour and stimulate
inclusive economic participation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Collectively, these reports reinforce a simple but powerful truth: productivity is not just
an economic concept. Productivity is about people. It is about dignity. It is about
creating opportunities, building industries, improving competitiveness, and ultimately
transforming lives.

At Productivity SA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting government,
industry, labour, and social partners in advancing a productivity-driven economy that
is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. We believe that collaboration will be essential
if South Africa is to unlock its full economic potential. No single institution, sector, or
stakeholder can achieve this alone.

As African proverb reminds us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go
far, go together.” We therefore extend our sincere appreciation to all researchers,
partners, stakeholders, industry experts, and institutions who contributed to the
development of these reports. Your work contributes meaningfully to building a
stronger knowledge economy and a more competitive South Africa.

Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa stands at a defining moment. The choices we
make today — the policies we implement, the industries we support, the innovation
we encourage, and the partnerships we build — will shape the economy of tomorrow.

We cannot afford to remain spectators in a rapidly changing global economy. We must
position ourselves boldly and strategically. We must build industries that are globally
competitive, locally inclusive, and capable of creating sustainable jobs for our people.

Allow me to close with the words of Thabo Mbeki, who said:
“The defining feature of a truly free society is the determination of its people to
improve the quality of life of all.”

May today’s engagement inspire bold thinking, meaningful collaboration, and decisive
action towards building a productive, competitive, and prosperous South Africa for
generations to come.

It is now my great pleasure to officially welcome you to this important launch event.

Thank you.