President Hails National Business Initiative as Catalyst for Economic Transformation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the National Business Initiative (NBI) as a “powerful agent for change,” crediting the organisation with playing a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s democratic and economic trajectory over the past three decades.

Delivering a keynote address at the NBI’s 30th anniversary cocktail reception in Sandton, the President underscored the organisation’s enduring contribution to fostering collaboration between government, business, and civil society—an alliance widely regarded as central to the country’s post-apartheid development model.

The milestone event marked three decades since the NBI’s founding in 1995, a period during which the organisation has emerged as a leading platform for responsible business leadership, innovation, and socio-economic reform.

A Legacy Rooted in Transition and Nation-Building

President Ramaphosa traced the NBI’s origins to a critical juncture in South Africa’s history, when the country transitioned from apartheid to democracy. He noted that the organisation’s formation symbolised a decisive shift within the private sector toward active participation in nation-building.

“It was launched at a time when all sectors of society were called upon to help build a new nation. The NBI signalled that progressive business was ready to partner in shaping an inclusive economy,” the President said.

The NBI evolved from earlier engagements between organised business and liberation movements in the late 1980s, culminating in the establishment of the Consultative Business Movement (CBM). The CBM played a significant behind-the-scenes role during South Africa’s transition, facilitating dialogue and supporting key negotiation processes, including the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA).

The eventual merger of the CBM with the Urban Foundation in 1995 gave rise to the NBI in its current form—an organisation that has maintained its reputation as a credible, non-partisan partner in national development.

Driving Innovation and Inclusive Growth

Over the years, the NBI has pioneered a range of initiatives aimed at addressing South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. These include programmes focused on job creation, skills development, education reform, and crime prevention.

Among its flagship contributions are partnerships such as Business Against Crime, the Education Quality Improvement Partnerships, and the Youth Employment Service—initiatives that have collectively impacted thousands of businesses and millions of South Africans.

“The NBI has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, particularly in aligning skills development with the evolving demands of the modern economy,” Ramaphosa noted.

The organisation’s Skills and Youth Employability Programme has gained particular relevance amid rising youth unemployment, helping bridge the gap between academic training and labour market needs. This work is increasingly critical as South Africa seeks to position itself competitively in a rapidly changing global economy driven by digital transformation and green growth.

Aligning with Government’s Reform Agenda

The President used the occasion to reaffirm the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), highlighting inclusive economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, and the development of a capable and ethical state as key pillars of the administration’s agenda.

He acknowledged the country’s past challenges—including state capture, energy instability, and governance failures—but pointed to clear signs of recovery and reform.

South Africa’s economic outlook is improving, with growth gradually strengthening, investment levels rising, and employment figures showing early signs of recovery. National debt has stabilised, while investor confidence is being bolstered by structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela.

Additionally, the energy crisis—once a major constraint on economic activity—is now largely under control, with improvements in power generation and system stability. Performance gains in state-owned enterprises, particularly in rail and port logistics, are also contributing to a more favourable investment climate.

A landmark R1 trillion infrastructure development programme—the largest in the country’s history—is currently underway, aimed at unlocking economic potential, enhancing service delivery, and supporting long-term growth.

A Call for Renewed Partnership

President Ramaphosa emphasized that the next phase of South Africa’s development will require the same spirit of collaboration that defined its transition to democracy. He called on the NBI to continue its role as a bridge-builder, helping translate the constitutional promise of equality into tangible economic outcomes.

“As structural reforms take root and confidence returns, this is a critical window of opportunity. We call on the NBI to help complete the bridge from the promise of our Constitution to meaningful economic transformation,” he said.

The President concluded by expressing gratitude for the organisation’s sustained commitment to national progress, noting that its work remains vital in navigating the complexities of modern South Africa.

As the country enters a new phase of reform and recovery, the NBI’s model of multi-stakeholder collaboration is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving inclusive, sustainable growth.