The effect of business and politics on the South African economy

South Africa has the largest, most diversified and highly industrialised economy in Africa. South Africa is also influential regionally, due to its investment and political engagement in many African countries with an active role and leadership within the inter-governmental African Union.

The effect of business and politics on the South African economy has always been a hotly debated topic and an area of concern for international businesses based in South Africa as well as companies looking to invest regionally. According to JP Landman, South Africa will probably be a much better place to live in 20 years from now than it is today. We just need to get there.

A background of JP Landman

JP Landman is a self-employed political and trend analyst. His focus areas are trends in politics, economics, social capital and the interplay of demographics and economic growth. JP Landman has  BA and LLB degrees from Stellenbosch, studied Economics at Harvard and has obtained an MPhil in Future Studies (cum laude) from Stellenbosch (2003). In 2009 he completed a course at Oxford University on the economies of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India & China). JP Landman is a visiting professor at the University of the Free State where he lectures on trends in South Africa’s political economy and is a Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Centre for International Scholars in Washington DC. He has recently publish a book “the Long View”

JP Landman’s view on the  effect of business and politics on the South African economy.

Mr. Landman has a deep understanding about the effects of politics on business; this is what he addresses in “The Long View”. “The Long View” is an antidote to the high-intensity assault on the senses of the daily news. Landman points to factors that suggest South Africa is on the right path. The economic growth rate comfortably exceeds population growth, even with immigration. That means per-capita income will continue to rise, increasing the wealth of the nation. For example, income per capita in South Africa is above the $6 000 (R61 360) threshold at which studies show that the chances of democracy flourishing are 80 percent and rising.

In his book, Landman looks at what makes a modern successful society and then examines the economy, demography, labour, open societies, creative individuals, inequality, and social capital within South Africa. The result of this examination is that, in general, South Africa has what it takes to be a modern successful society and the best way of achieving this, is to follow the National Development Plan.

What is The National Development plan?

The National Development Plan (NDP) offers a long-term perspective. It defines a desired destination and identifies the role different sectors of society need to play in reaching that goal. The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.

The JP Landman talk about the effect of business and politics on the South African economy, which is sponsored by The Finance Team, Aon South Africa and FNB Vumela will be addressing top businessmen in Johannesburg about the influence of politics on business prior to the 2014 Election on the 6^th of May at the Bryanston Country Club. If you would like to attend this talk register here as seats are limited.