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Cape Town – Despite its problems, South Africa is better off than it was 21 years ago, according to business tycoon Christo Wiese, controlling shareholder of Shoprite Holdings [JSE:SHP].
He received an honorary doctorate in technologia, marketing (DTech) from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology on Monday for his contributions to the industry and the South African economy.
Some of the country's problems could even be interpreted as signs of progress, Wiese noted in his keynote address.
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“Having celebrated our democracy's twentieth anniversary last year, some might wonder whether what we have achieved, can be regarded as an unqualified success,” he told graduates during a ceremony at the Bellville campus.
“Despite many of our shortcomings and the huge challenges we continue to face, the new dawn of 1994 has delivered on the promise of a better life for all."
The social unrest in terms of service delivery protests were not just driven by a lack of improvement, but also by a rise of expectations, he said.
"This is one of the consequences of the progress we have made as a country over the past years," said Wiese.
“In order to realise the vast potential of our beautiful land, we need to find common ground. Business and academia too, have to work together more closely.”
Wiese also announced his financial backing of a vice-chancellor award for students who have beaten the odds to study.
"We often rewarded merit and merit should be rewarded, but there are silent heroes who have nothing going for them and who have overcome immense difficulties. This award is for them," he said.
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