By Diana Chiyangwa
Johannesburg, South Africa: Brand South Africa is set to host a three-day hybrid event. The event aims to foster collaborative partnerships between business stakeholders who contribute to the growing economy of the country. and help position South Africa as an attractive investment destination.
During the launch of the Brand Forum 2022 on 22 September, Sithembile Ntombela, the Acting CEO of Brand South Africa said that “After two years of navigating the pandemic, the economy has shown signs of a strong rebound as shown in the growth figures of the first quarter of 2022, where it grew by 1.9%. This was a second consecutive quarterly growth”.
The event will attract various investors from different sectors not only in the continent but the world as a whole. The forum will comprise of youth symposium, roundtable side events with various stakeholders including the media, and private sector open plenaries, focusing on key drivers of trade, investment, and sustainability.
The forum will also host spotlight sessions on best practices on nation branding, youth empowerment, and development, as well as how to leverage opportunities presented by the newly established African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Entrepreneur, Founder of Tshepo Jeans, and Brand SA partner Tshepo Mohlala highlighted his collaboration with SAPPI Group to produce the product, which is grown in Midlands.
“What is important for me as a person is that we are not only growing for South Africa but for the world” explained Mohlala
In terms of how media can play a role in disseminating information on initiatives provided by Brand South Africa, General Manager: Communications of Brand South Africa, Thoko Modise said that “Part of our growth plan to shape South Africa’s Nation Brand entails building mutually beneficial partnerships with the media if you don’t tell your story, another will”.
The platform will also bring in high-profile speakers, delegates, and participants including Colin Coleman, a former partner at Goldman Sachs and co-chair of the Youth Employment Service (YES), Bathu Shoes Founder, Theo Baloyi, H & M Country Manager, Caroline Nelson among others.
Further, explaining sustainable investments and growth opportunities to rebuild the economy, Ntombela said that it is possible to develop an inclusive economy that absorbs job seekers if the public and private sectors collaborate.
The Forum will give stakeholders a platform to engage on the progress made so far in the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and Operation Vulindlela, a program led by the Presidency and National Treasury to fast-track implementation of structural reforms in key sectors such as energy, logistics, and telecoms.
In the process, the economic recovery plan and structural reforms will be aimed at stimulating the South African economy to attract investment.
“Overall, stakeholders will walk away from the 6th Nation Brand Forum with an understanding of what contribution they can make to rebuilding and growing the South African economy to alleviate youth unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship, and increase investment,” concludes Ntombela
In the wake of the lifting of international Covid-19 restrictions, the in-person event will be taking place at Nelson Mandela Foundation, Emoyeni, Constitution Hill, and the Sandton Convention from the 4th to the 6th of October 2022.
