Distinguished Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour,
Chairperson of the Board,
Members of the Board,
Esteemed stakeholders, partners, researchers, industry leaders, colleagues,
ladies and gentlemen,
As we come to the close of today’s important engagement, allow me, on behalf of
Productivity SA, to extend our sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for
your presence, participation, and valuable contributions.
Today has been more than the launch of research reports. It has been a demonstration
of what becomes possible when research, policy, industry, and leadership come
together with a shared commitment to advancing South Africa’s economic
development agenda.
We have engaged on sectors that are not only strategic to our economy, but which
also hold immense potential to transform lives through industrial growth, localisation,
innovation, enterprise development, and employment creation.
The discussions around the Ocean Economy reminded us that South Africa’s
geographic position is not merely a natural advantage, it is an economic opportunity
waiting to be fully unlocked.
The conversations on Local Content Requirements and the Automotive Industry
highlighted the importance of building stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities
and ensuring that industrial growth translates into deeper local participation and
sustainable productivity gains.
The insights shared on the Furniture Industry reinforced the critical importance of
supporting labour-intensive industries that create opportunities for SMMEs, emerging
enterprises, and previously disadvantaged communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Research is important because it helps us understand where
we are. But more importantly, it helps us imagine where we can go.
As Albert Einstein once said:
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we
created them.”
South Africa requires bold thinking, innovation, collaboration, and decisive action if we
are to overcome the structural challenges confronting our economy.
At Productivity SA, we firmly believe that productivity is one of the most powerful
enablers of economic growth, competitiveness, sustainability, and social progress.
Productivity is not only about producing more — it is about producing smarter, creating
opportunities, improving efficiency, strengthening industries, and ultimately building a
better quality of life for all South Africans.
We therefore remain committed to supporting government, labour, business, and
social partners through research, productivity improvement programmes, turnaround
solutions, and enterprise competitiveness initiatives that contribute meaningfully to
South Africa’s development objectives.
I would like to extend a special word of appreciation to:
- The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour for honouring us with your
presence and leadership; - Our Board Chairperson and Board members for their strategic guidance and
continued support; - The researchers and technical teams whose work made these reports possible;
- Our stakeholders and partners who continue to collaborate with us in advancing
productivity and industrial development; - And finally, all guests and participants who joined us today.
Your support and engagement reaffirm the importance of partnerships in building a
capable, productive, and resilient economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, South Africa’s future will not be shaped by potential alone. It
will be shaped by what we choose to do with that potential.
The responsibility before us is clear: to build industries that are competitive, inclusive,
innovative, and sustainable; to create opportunities for our people; and to ensure that
economic growth translates into meaningful development and shared prosperity.
Allow me to close with the words of Nelson Mandela:
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
May today’s engagement inspire allof us to move from discussion to implementation,
from ideas to impact, and from potential to progress.
Together, let us continue working towards a productive and prosperous South Africa.
I thank you.