Godongwana cautiously optimistic on phase 2 of Operation Vulindela
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana joined President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the second phase of the initiative at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the national budget for 2025 - weeks after it was postponed due to disagreements within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Picture credit: Phando Jikelo/Parliament
JOHANNESBURG - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has taken a cautiously optimistic approach as government sets its sights on phase two of Operation Vulindela.
Godongwana joined President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the second phase of the initiative at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
Operation Vulindlela was launched almost five years ago, aimed at driving a far-reaching economic reform agenda.
So far, it has focused on reforms in energy and logistics, which were among the sectors that have hobbled economic growth.
While he said there had been some progress since its initial implementation, Godongwana said that sustaining the current momentum was key to seeing results.
"The immediate priority is therefore to sustain the momentum already developed and follow through on the implementation of existing reforms in order to realise their full impact. This will require completing the reforms underway, as well as deepening those reforms which have already been initiated, in the energy, logistics, and water sectors and visa regime."
Godongwana admitted that it would not be an easy feat.
"The road ahead is challenging, but with agility, commitment to reform, we can achieve greater competitiveness and a more inclusive economy in line with this administration’s priorities."