Pretoria - Urgent interventions are needed to ensure that empowerment of previously disadvantaged citizens was real, President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.
“Our definition of democracy must be realistic, it must not be sentimental. The principles of democracy must not be used to change us into perpetual subjugation,” Zuma told a South Africa-Zimbabwe business forum meeting in Pretoria.
“We have political power and if you do not use it, it will be used against you. We must be bold, correct, effective for the sake of the suffering people.”
The summit was attended by South African government officials and business leaders.
The Zimbabwean delegation was led by President Robert Mugabe and included several of his Cabinet ministers.
Zuma said the growing gap between rich and poor in South Africa was a major concern, and empowerment legislation had successfully “avoided many things that would be criticised”.
“No matter how we did it, we were criticised that it is racism in reverse. Yet, we had a history that had put us in poverty and we are trying to get out of it, not in a radical manner but constitutionally,” said Zuma.
He said at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, only three percent of participants represent the black South Africans.
“We want industrialists who own and control the economy. For that, we must not be shy because it is going to help black people for the first time, to benefit properly. Benefiting should not be superficial. It should not be something you feel nice about.
“Benefiting should change the lives of the majority who are black. One day I would be very happy to see a bank called Mr Mofokeng. I don’t know who was Standard or Ned, but I know Mofokeng.”
Zuma said the struggle for black empowerment should be conducted the same vigour as the anti-apartheid struggle.
“I think we should do the same because this is urgent and correct.”
Mugabe had earlier assured South African investors attending the forum that their assets would not be seized in a nationalisation drive.
“I wish to assure all of you that Zimbabwe is open for business. Zimbabwe is a genuine and sincere partner to all those who are similarly disposed,” he said.
“We look forward to partnering with you in our economic development agenda. I am not suggesting that you come for employment, come for better things as employers yourself.”
Zimbawe’s former indigenisation minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who now holds the environment, water and climate portfolio, told African News Agency that fears of an anti-investor nationalisation were unfounded.
“To start with, not even a single company has been nationalised in Zimbabwe. Such fears are misplaced. We must continue to move ahead with those who want to invest,” said Kasukuwere.
“The investors must operate within the parameters of the law and regulatory frameworks.”
ANA