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South Africa is a positive and powerful influence
throughout the region.
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Africa is earning its place on the world stage, not
only as a proponent of regional stability but also as
a global trade partner, and one of the southern hemisphere’s
most attractive locations for foreign investment.
Large
events such as the World Summit for Sustainable Development,
and the Cricket World Cup earlier this year, have drawn
worldwide attention and revealed a strengthening economy.
South
Africa is proving a powerful and positive influence
throughout the region. It is part of a movement that
is driving an agenda of transformation through the Southern
African Development Community (SADC), and the New Partnership
for African Development (Nepad). The SADC and Nepad
are breaking new ground in helping the continent adapt
to the challenges of globalization.
The
country’s highly-diversified economy is expanding
across a variety of areas including information and
communications technology (ICT), manufacturing, and
tourism. It has the largest telecommunications sector
in Africa, including the latest in fixed-line, wireless,
satellite, and cellular technology. Its telecommunications
network is 99% digital. It ranks 23rd in terms of global
telecommunications development, and 18th in terms of
internet use.
The
government has taken active steps to use new technology
in the revitalization of industry, and in social and
educational development. This is creating direct benefits
for the population.
One
of the main pillars of this transformation is Black
Economic Empowerment, which is broadening the involvement
of the black majority in the upper levels of business.
Black business ownership has been steadily increasing.
There are now 22 black-controlled firms listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The
social transformation of the country has drawn admiration
from around the world. Observers have been impressed
at the effectiveness with which budget funds are reaching
ground level projects, especially in public works, such
as water supply, and housing.
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