More must be done for black participation in the economy

More must be done to bring black people into big business claims President Jacob Zuma. Image: SA History

Responding to a question from a delegate at the Presidential Youth Indaba on Jobs and Skills, Zuma said he was aware that black business people operated in certain types of business and that this was not necessarily in big business circles.

"Black people [have been] undertaking very specific kinds of business and not getting into the big ones. I think that's a problem that can only be seen in terms of our history," said Zuma. "Under the apartheid rule black business did not thrive," he added.

"It has been just 20 years that we have been free to undertake business at any scale. We've done many things to ensure that we move forward," said the President, adding that government has been in talks with black business about the creation of black industrialists.

Questions

The President surprised youth gathered at the Indaba by taking questions from the floor following his keynote address.

Giving an example on the few black businesses operating in the mining sector, Zuma noted that when opportunities opened up in the mining sector, there was more focus on getting shares in mining as opposed doing business in the mines.

"We are dealing with this matter seriously. We as government are working hard to ensure that we develop big business for black people as well," said Zuma.

On the issue of private universities seeking funding from government and then remaining independent institutions, Zuma said such a relationship needs to be mutually beneficial.

"It cannot be a relationship that benefits one side only. It should benefit everybody," he said, adding that this was a matter that requires attention. "In one sense it perpetuates a level of inequality," Zuma said.

On the issue of young people with disabilities, the President said that government in its infrastructure projects has taken into account the needs of people with disabilities.

"We are already setting funds aside," he said, adding that the establishment of a ministry that looks into the needs of people with disabilities has brought the matter sharply into focus.