Page 67 - 25 Reasons

By Andile Sangqu
FUTURE
ver the past few years, South Africa FORWARD:
has confronted many serious
Ochallenges that take on different forms The Indlulamithi
in our fractured society. SA Scenarios 2030
Many South Africans are affected adversely
by violence and crime, discrimination, project builds on
unemployment – which now hovers at about a long history of
27% – and poor access to opportunities, scenario-thinking
resulting in generational poverty. initiatives that
It was against the backdrop of these social Anglo American
challenges, compounded by the lack of trust has been part of for
between key social partners, that the
Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 2030 project was more than 30 years
formed. The project considered the key in South Africa –
question: “What would a socially cohesive South stretching as far
Africa look like, and to what degree is it back as the 1980s
attainable by 2030?” with the “Low Road
When Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 2030 refers to
social cohesion, it envisions a process of social High Road” scenarios
integration and inclusion in our communities that the company
and society at large. This is a process that initiated
promotes mutual solidarity and acceptance
among individuals and communities.
The concept of a social compact is also
captured in our Constitution, with its emphasis
on healing the divisions of the past, and
establishing a society based on democratic
values, social justice and fundamental human
rights.
One of the underpinnings of Indlulamithi is Executive head of Anglo
that South Africa’s economic future is American SA, Andile
inseparably linked with its levels of social Sangqu
cohesion. As a diverse country with generational PHOTO: LEON SADIKI
burdens of division and inequality, South Africa
depends on this cohesion for progress. Without SOCIAL COHESION FOR
it, many of the country’s social, economic and
political developments will flounder.
CAN WE CHANGE COURSE? A SECURE
One scenario that is outlined in Indlulamithi is
the Nayi le Walk scenario – one where a pro-
poor economic path leads to an average growth
of 5.74%; unemployment drops to 12.3%; and FUTURE
poverty reduces by two-thirds to 13%.
Although this may seem impossible in the
face of our current growth trajectory,
Indlulamithi’s economic modelling demonstrates
that a revision of the country’s current micro
and macroeconomic policies is necessary to BUILDING THRIVING COMMUNITIES
achieve such growth. In addition, extensive
collaboration between business, labour, civil Earlier this year, President Cyril 5. Fostering inclusive growth
society and government will be crucial in Ramaphosa outlined 10 value-creating 6. Partnering with local governments to
overcoming the socioeconomic development principles for a modern, successful and improve infrastructure in the areas where
challenges South Africa is facing. productive mining industry. Anglo we operate
The Nayi le Walk scenario demonstrates that American has aligned them to its 7. Investing in the living conditions of
we can all have a piece of the pie – even poor existing social initiatives: workers
and marginalised communities would benefit 1. Investing in education and training 8. Providing internships and job
from the country’s economic growth. 2. Partnering with training colleges experience opportunities for young
However, there is no silver bullet. It is evident 3. Prioritising the development of young people – as well as providing business
that, as a country, we urgently need to adopt women opportunities for SMMEs
more transformative economic growth strategies 4. Investing in the overall health and 9. Including workers in our shareholding
that address the root causes of inequality and safety of workers 10. Embracing beneficiation
inclusivity.
Importantly, these growth strategies need to
ensure ever more South Africans benefit from average economic growth of below 2% and an . Andile Sangqu is executive head of
such growth. unemployment rate of 26% in the next 10 years. Anglo American SA and chairperson of
If we do not adopt these measures and Such low levels of growth can only lead to a Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 2030
improve the basic underlying welfare of the society that is further demoralised, and . Visit https://sascenarios2030.co.za/ to learn
majority of citizens, we can anticipate an characterised by disorder and decay. more about Indlulamithi SA Scenarios 2030
ANGLO AMERICAN 25 REASONS TO BELIEVE 67