21 years after the advent of democracy, arguably the most notable commentary on South Africa’s economy is how little the structure of ownership has changed. The post-apartheid government has introduced many policies to try to shift the economy onto a different growth path, with limited success. There continues to be a strong path dependency where markets are structured and shaped by previous investment decisions, state interventions and entrenched interests. With the industrial policy focus now on re-industrialisation and the recent launch of the DTI’s “Black Industrialists” programme, it is pertinent to re-visit the debate about how to achieve broader participation in the economy. The NDP and other policy documents refer to the need to reduce barriers to entry but it is not clear that there is an appreciation of the true nature and magnitude of the hurdles facing black entrepreneurs. There is a need to understand what is required for meaningful economic participation in concrete terms in order to be able to reduce these barriers. Drawing on insights from a case study that reviews the experience of a recent entrant in the beer industry, the public platform will highlight the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs when entering traditionally concentrated industries.
University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) would like to invite you to a debate on the key questions related to facilitating entry by black industrialists.
‘BARRIERS TO ENTRY TO BLACK INDUSTRIALISTS’
Panel: Xolani Qubeka (Black Business Council), Pamela Mondliwa (CCRED), Nhlanhla Dlamini (Entrepreneur), TBC (Industrial Development Corporation) and Neo Bodibe (Numsa).
Chair: Mark Burke (CCRED)
Date: Thursday, 7 May 2015
Time: 16h00 – 18h00
Venue: CCRED SEMINAR ROOM, 2nd floor, 5 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
RSVP: Email infoccred@uj.ac.za to confirm your attendance
Parking is available at Rosebank Mall from the Sturdee avenue entrance.
Looking forward to your participation.