CAPE TOWN, 17 October 2013 – Brand South Africa today hosted representatives from the Western Cape government, City of Cape Town, business, tourism and education groups, and other stakeholders, for a discussion on South Africa’s competitiveness. This discussion aims to get all citizens to unpack the concept of competitiveness and how each of us can contribute to making South Africa an attractive investment and tourism destination.
Welcoming delegates to the session at the V&A Waterfront, Brand South Africa’s Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication, Wendy Tlou said, “We are here today to listen. These conversations help us to understand what the critical issues are, so we can have them addressed at the right levels. You are the people who are really playing your part, in making sure that we as a nation are delivering on the promises that we make.”
The Western Cape engagement took place ahead of the inaugural South African Competitiveness Forum, which is scheduled for 5 November at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. The Forum is a platform where government, business and civil society will be able to directly contribute to the identification of issues that require intervention in order to improve the country’s competitiveness and reputation.
Thursday’s session was hosted by Brand South Africa’s Head of Research, Dr Petrus de Kock, who said, “The upcoming Competitiveness Forum is a new and exciting platform – it’s also strategic – and it’s an opportunity for stakeholders in government, corporate and civil society to generate solutions to the matters that affect our competitiveness. There are a number of strengths and weaknesses in the South African economy and we need to work together to ensure that the strengths far outweigh the flaws. Robust discussions, like the one that took place today, are key to us reaching that goal.”
These stakeholder engagements have been taking place around the country and the deliberations recorded at these sessions will inform the discussions at the inaugural Forum, which will bring together key decision-makers in government, business and civil society. The talks use the National Development Plan as a platform, as its implementation will be a critical driver of the country’s competitiveness and positive reputation.
Participants at the SA Competitiveness Forum in November will dialogue on issues related to the following areas:
• Education, skills & labour;
• Products and services;
• Governance and leadership;
• Infrastructure; and
• FDI competitiveness
The countrywide consultations ahead of the forum are intended to mobilise and encourage stakeholders in all spheres of South African society, to be part of the national conversation about the future of the country and the role that they can play. The Cape Town engagement will be followed by one in Durban next week.
Citizens who are interested in attending this one day, inaugural event are invited to apply online to attend: https://brandsouthafrica.com/projects/sa-competitiveness-forum/sacf-registration. Only 200 seats are available.
Media are invited to RSVP should they wish to cover this event with name, surname, ID number, media house and designation.
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness abroad. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.
Further resources from Brand South Africa
Story on SA Competitiveness Forum: https://brandsouthafrica.com/news/953-brand-sa-embraces-spirit-of-competition.
Media are invited to visit http://www.southafrica.info/ for further resources which can be reproduced without any copyright infringement. Kindly attribute to Brand South Africa.
For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Nadia Samie-Jacobs
Public Relations Domestic
Tel: +27 11 712 5007 Mobile: +27 (0)72 777 9399
Email: nadias@brandsouthafrica.com
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