Chairperson, Cope welcomes this visionary development document towards a better future South Africa in 2030. It is always exciting and challenging to try to look into the crystal ball of the future, and it is good to plan ahead, as it gives hope to the younger generations and purpose to those who are doing it.
We are living in difficult times after the great recession, where national interests have been put above international preferred agreements, and Tim Cohen of Business Day reminded us earlier this week about our dilemma. I quote:
... can democracy work as well during times of economic decline as it does during growth?
The answer lies in whether voters, trade unions and business are sensible, broadminded and foresighted enough to accept that sometimes governments must provide fewer services, pay lower wages and ask higher taxes to balance the national accounts, to make sure that they do not destroy the economic outlook for a country.
Therefore, the important role of engaging all South Africans in the next three months, and a successful buying in of all stakeholders to embrace this vision and this plan, and our ability to agree on issues of national interest and stick to them, will make or break this initiative.
Let's use this opportunity to agree on a more dynamic economy, willing to change and to adapt. Let's agree to allow part of the economy that is not competitive to cease to exist to create space for something new. Then, according to Jac Laubscher, viable growth will appear.
In 2008 Kenya embarked on the development of their Vision 2030, with the objective of turning Kenya into a "middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens". There were mixed reactions three years later. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, recently commented on Kenya's Vision 2030 and noted a number of concerns which can materially affect the realisation of their vision. A change of government, post- election violence and no proper binding in by stakeholders have derailed the process. In 2010, the Kenyan government acknowledged that the road towards Vision 2030 is bumpy - the great recession has spoken. Let us learn the lessons from Kenya timeously.
South Africa is the land of miracles; we do have the people and skills to make this work. However, we must accept that for us to be successful will require determination, a cohesive political climate and consensus on all issues of national interest. The quality of our political leadership will play a vital role in guaranteeing the success and outcomes of this process. Let us embrace this good news project, work together, discuss things with open minds, reconcile and put our country first. I thank you. [Applause.]