Godsell: SA can double economy

Johannesburg - A survey among South Africa's biggest companies shows that 27 of them spent R5.46bn on training last year, giving skills to 305 217 people in the process.

The survey was done by Business Leadership SA (BLSA), which represents 73 of the country's biggest companies. BLSA's members received the report on Tuesday as part of research into what is required to double the country's economy over the next 20 years.

The current per capita gross domestic product in South Africa is $9 765. This has to at least double or treble to make South Africa a developed country - an ambition voiced by President Jacob Zuma in November last year on the establishment of the working group to lead the country's economic recovery after the recession.

This is an enormous goal but entirely achievable, said BLSA chairperson Bobby Godsell on Tuesday afternoon after the chief executives of BLSA's 45 biggest members had discussed the report at BLSA's office in Parktown, Johannesburg.

"It's a long-term goal - something that will take a generation. But the country must get a national debate and dialogue going.

"We have to decide how we want South Africa to look in 20 to 30 years' time. We need a goal and vision for South Africa on what has to happen after the World Cup soccer tournament," said Godsell.

Structured discussions with company heads and well-known entrepreneurs will begin to take place to determine, among other things, what each company's needs are with a view to doubling the size of every enterprise.

- Sake24.com

For more business news in Afrikaans, go to Sake24.com.