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THE Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan, will face political scientist and historian R W Johnson in the second Rumble in the Urban Jungle organised by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, August 24.

The debate takes place over two rounds at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town. The first Rumble in the Urban Jungle was a sold-out event that featured futurist Clem Sunter and Julius Malema of the EFF.

The new rumble comes just weeks after the shockwave, produced by the local government elections, sent shudders through the political landscape and left Mr Gordhan’s party to survey the damage.

“It is going to be a fascinating night,” said Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber. “Last year R W Johnson said South Africa would face an economic crisis in two years and one of those years has already passed. Now comes this body blow from the electorate.
“On the other hand, Mr Gordhan has fought off a ratings downgrade and now he sees the rand strengthening. We can expect to see him come out of his corner swinging punches,” Ms Myburgh said.

The Chamber has organised the debate to bring the realities of our low-growth economy to its members and business leaders. “We have an economy faltering on the brink of recession and the structural changes we need don’t seem to be happening,” Ms Myburgh said.

“We are convinced that at the end of the Rumble the audience will be better informed about the choices that lie ahead and have a better understanding of the forces at work in our economy. We hope it will give business leaders the information and the courage to make some tough decisions,” Ms Myburgh said.

“At the same time it will illuminate opportunities for business and live up to our mantra – “Where opportunity meets”.

The two-round bout will be followed by a question and answer session.
The evening includes a first rate dinner and the cost is R450 for members of the Chamber and R750 for non-members. Booking can be done online (www.capechamber.co,za) or by phoning Denise Kolbe on 021 402 4300 or denise@capechamber.co.za.

Issued by Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry