Operation Vulindlela growing SA economy

• Published date: 09 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the achievements by Operation Vulindlela demonstrates the commitment of government to implementing reforms that are necessary to inject growth into the economy and gain investor confidence.

The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the country as government is today set to release an update report on the work of Operation Vulindlela for the first quarter of 2022.

The report will outline the progress made by Operation Vulindlela and the departments responsible for these reforms.

The President encouraged those who continue to raise concerns about the slow pace of reform to read the latest report.

'What has been achieved by Operation Vulindlela and the respective departments in a relatively short space of time should demonstrate the commitment of government to implementing reforms that are necessary to inject growth into our economy and inspire confidence in the business and investor community,' he said.

President Ramaphosa further called on business and investors to take advantage of the changes that are underway and turn their pledges and commitments into tangible, job creating investments.

'The reform agenda is moving and its momentum is unstoppable. Together, let us build on this progress and translate economic reform into growth, opportunity and employment,' he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the South African economy, like any other economy, cannot function, let alone grow, without efficient and competitive network industries.

He said that these industries which include electricity, water, transport and telecommunications are the arteries through which the oxygen of the economy runs.

The statesman said that structural problems in these areas have long been cited as some of the main constraints on the country's economic growth adding that inefficiency and the high cost of network services are an impediment to doing business in the country.

To address and overcome these challenges, government set up Operation Vulindlela in October 2020 as an initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate structural reforms in these network industries.

Reforms

While the responsible government departments and entities drive these reforms, Operation Vulindlela monitors and identifies challenges and blockages and where needed, it facilitates technical support to departments.

'Across government, our focus is on reforms that are fundamental and transformative; that reshape the way our economy works.

'This includes the...