The Sunday News
Takunda Maodza recently in Pretoria
South African President Jacob Zuma yesterday pledged to radically transform his country’s economy by embarking on broad-based black empowerment programmes during his second five-year term in office.In an address soon after his inauguration as president at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, he vowed to vigorously embark on transformative black economic programmes in a manner South Africans have not witnessed before.
The ceremony was attended by several African Heads of State and Government, including President Mugabe who received a thunderous welcome on arrival at the Union Building, accompanied by First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe.
“Economic transition will take centre stage during the new term of government as we put the economy on (the) growth path,” said President Zuma.
He said the inauguration ceremony “marked a second phase of our transition from apartheid”.
Outlining his administration’s plans, President Zuma hinted on expanding the role of government in the economy, changing ownership and control of the economy, and land redistribution.
“Land re-distribution will be better executed in the new term of government. Economic transition will take centre stage during the new term of government,” said President Zuma.
He reiterated his remarks on black emancipation when he addressed thousands of his supporters outside the Union Buildings soon after the ceremony.
