Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday concluded his productive visit to Davos with his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) session: Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders on Responsible and Responsive Leadership in a multipolar world attended by among others UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and WEF founder Klaus Schwab, amongst other global leaders.

Deputy President Ramaphosa was leading a 56-person top level government, business and labour delegation to the 2017 World Economic Forum held in Switzerland under the theme Responsive and Responsible Leadership.

The delegation included government Ministers Pravin Gordhan, Jeff Radebe, Rob Davies, Ebrahim Patel, Nomvula Mokonyane and KZN MEC Sihle Zikalala, Labour leader Dennis George and business leaders including Jabu Mabuza, Patrice Motsepe, state owned enterprise executives from among others the IDC and PIC Geoff Qhena and Dan Matjila, respectively.

Flying the flag of South Africa hard at work, Deputy President Ramaphosa and the South African Team conveyed  to the international community South Africa’s openness to business while stressing its status as a preferred destination for investment. In this context and acting in unison the delegation highlighted that:

• South Africa remains focused on pursuing a path to faster, inclusive and job-creating economic growth.
• Government, business and labour have made significant progress in pursuing economic reforms.
• South Africa’s strong institutions, stable macroeconomic environment, developed financial markets and strategic position provide a solid platform for stronger growth.
• SA remains committed to strong fiscal discipline.
• SA is taking steps to strengthen policy certainty.
• Government is working to achieve a more supportive business environment, including through Invest SA and incentive programmes.
• Government has prioritised energy security.
• Massive infrastructure investment will continue to bolster domestic demand and productive capacity.

During the visit, Deputy President participated in a number of WEF sessions including: Powering Africa; Operationalisation of the Sustainable Development Goals; Coalition for African Research and Innovation and the Business Interaction Group on South Africa.

Deputy President Ramaphosa returned to South Africa today, Friday 20 January 2017.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Presidency