Deputy President Paulus Mashatile has today, Friday 04 October 2024, concluded a successful working visit to the United Kingdom.
The purpose of the visit was to identify new trade and investment opportunities to grow the South African economy in partnership with the United Kingdom. Some of the areas of interest are linked to supporting Governments strategic priorities in a number of sectors including trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, tourism and the Just Energy Transition.
Following the successful conclusion of elections in both countries, the establishment of new governments allowed for reaffirming bilateral relations at all levels for the two strategic partners.
During the working visit, the Deputy President engaged with representatives from several organisations, including Bloomberg Media, Brand South Africa, London Stock Exchange, Investec, Standard Bank, JP Morgan, Citibank, Goldman Sachs and the South African Chamber of Commerce.
The engagements focused on showcasing South Africa as an investment destination of choice, by highlighting investment opportunities in the country.
The Deputy President also emphasised the stability of South Africa’s political landscape as a result of the newly established Government of National Unity (GNU). He highlighted that the GNU is a significant demonstration of democracy at work and can serve as a model for other democracies around the world.
The Deputy President had an opportunity to deliver an address on South Africa’s upcoming G20 Presidency, set to commence on 01 December 2024, at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The Deputy President affirmed that the country will advocate for the needs of developing nations, with the aim of placing Africa’s development at the forefront of the global agenda.
As part of the working visit, the Deputy President also met with British government leaders including the Deputy Prime Minister – Ms Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero – Mr Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development – Mr David Lammy, and also paid a courtesy visit to Prince Edward, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
Deputy President Mashatile is encouraged that the ongoing engagements with various local and international private sector partners to mobilise investment and strengthen public-private partnerships will lead to increased partnerships contributing to South Africa’s economic growth and job creation.
“Our numerous meetings with potential investors have revealed a shift in their attitudes and perceptions towards South Africa, indicating a positive look. Our alliance, based not on personal sentiments but on the aspiration to enhance South Africa and, consequently, the lives of our citizens, and be useful in sustaining the GNU administration for five years”, said the Deputy President.
The Deputy President was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Mcpherson; the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Rosemary Capa; the Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo; the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenneth Morolong and the Deputy Minister Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield.
