S. African business community expects newly elected ANC leaders to address low economic growth

JOHANNESBURG, Dec.19 (Xinhua) -- South African business community said Tuesday they expect the newly elected ANC leaders to address the country's economic growth, among other challenges.

"The economy is not growing the way we would like it to grow. The outcome of this conference should go beyond leadership giving us direction on policy certainty and how to improve our economy," Gregory Mofokeng, CEO of the Black Business Council's building sector, told Xinhua.

Mofokeng said they also expect the leaders to implement the party's resolutions like making the country a construction site which have not been put into practice.

He added that the Competition Commission takes long to investigate and fine the wrong doers. He also pointed out that the delay in investigation keeps entrants into the sector waiting.

"We want the government to attract the private sector to invest to keep the economy going. The private sector is not eager to invest more raising the policy uncertainty as an excuse. We also want them to implement many of their policies," he said.

Dipelaelo Sehloho of Palesa and Associates told Xinhua that the major task of the ANC leaders is to address the economic challenges as the ruling party in government.

Palesa and associates are involved in construction, security, furniture, manufacturing and catering.

Sehloho said he expects the new leaders to have continuity to build on where other leaders left. "We expect them to ensure there is economic growth and make our country competitive to compete with other countries of the world. We expect them to also address challenges affecting the party like the poverty and unemployment."

Sehlolo said he also expects the country to be run smoothly with less drama particularly in parliament.

Itumeleng Matlaila, an upcoming entrepreneur, said that he expects the ruling party to implement its policies for the good of the country and benefits its citizens.

On Monday the ANC elected the top six leaders at the elective conference taking place in Johannesburg. On Tuesday evening they were electing the 80 members of the national executive council. Enditem