February 2018

The start to 2018 for Southern African business has been hectic and frantic but always exciting. Now appears to be the time to be in business. In South Africa, Jacob Zuma’s time in office is coming to an end and pro-business, anti-corruption ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa will replace him – it seems like just a matter of time now. And that brings hope for many in business.

Exporting from South Africa to other parts of the world is one of the key targets for many growing companies, and can unlock major opportunities. Two of our featured companies, G4S Africa and SAOTA, are now doing this and realising much success.

Working in an environment which allows for local growth is also important. Durban-based Blue Security tell us of plans to expand further outside of KZN, but positive trading conditions will be required.

And expansion into Africa remains a realistic goal for those that are well-positioned. Cashbuild is expanding into Zambia, looking to make the country its biggest market outside of SA, but again, a strong economy is required.

So can Ramaphosa build such an environment? Is one man enough of a change to turn an ailing economic situation around? It will not be an easy fix. But Ramaphosa has many supporters and a number of important names backing him. Upon his election as ANC leader in December, the Rand-Dollar rate moved to its strongest positon in a number of years – perhaps this is an indicator of what we can expect when he takes full control. Until then, we’ll be patiently waiting to hear what Zuma has to say at the SONA – if indeed he is the one to deliver that speech.

Talk to us on Twitter about your hopes for the future: @EnterpriseAfri1