Johannesburg, South Africa – May 4, 2025 | Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address at the launch of South Africa’s ambitious R100 billion Transformation Fund, calling for deepened collaboration between government and the private sector to drive inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the RSA’s high-profile event, Mashatile commended business leaders and stakeholders for their commitment to transformation and economic equity. He specifically praised the private sector’s role in mobilizing funding through Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives and the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP).
“Transformation is a National Imperative”
Mashatile emphasized that real economic transformation cannot be achieved by government alone. “This fund reflects what is possible when the private and public sectors come together with a shared vision,” he said. “Transformation is not optional; it is a national imperative.”
The R100 billion fund aims to support small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), particularly black-owned businesses, while promoting inclusive participation across key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and agriculture.
Catalyst for Inclusive Growth
The Deputy President framed the fund as a catalyst for job creation, skills development, and long-term structural change. He noted that private sector participation is not merely an act of compliance but a crucial investment in South Africa’s future.
“This is more than a financial commitment,” Mashatile said. “It’s a statement of intent to build an economy that works for all South Africans.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Impact
The Transformation Fund will be closely monitored to ensure transparency, measurable outcomes, and long-term impact. Officials say the fund will focus on scalable projects and partnerships that foster broad-based empowerment, particularly in underserved communities.
With its scale and scope, the fund is one of the largest private-sector-backed transformation efforts in South Africa’s history.
