South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have the potential to drive economic growth and development. However, reform is urgently needed. Over the past decade, many SOEs have faced significant operational and financial challenges, including mismanagement, inefficiencies, and governance issues. The result has been a drain on public resources, with billions spent on bailouts without corresponding improvements in performance.

The path forward requires a clear and decisive approach, focusing on both financial sustainability and operational performance. The Government of National Unity (GNU) represents an opportunity to accelerate these reforms, moving beyond past challenges and creating a future where SOEs are effective, accountable, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and job creation. With the right vision and leadership, our SOEs can be transformed into vital instruments for national development, helping to build a brighter future for all South Africans.

The conference brings together key stakeholders—government leaders, business leaders, economists, and experts—to explore practical and innovative solutions for revitalising SOEs. Through collaborative dialogue, the conference seeks to:

1. Identify Key Challenges: Understand the financial, operational, and governance issues facing SOEs like Eskom, Transnet, SAA, and others, and their impact on South Africa’s economy and society.
2. Discuss Reform Strategies: Explore and propose actionable reforms that can improve the performance, sustainability, and accountability of SOEs, making them more efficient and aligned with the country’s long-term economic goals.
3. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government and private sector to drive innovation, improve management, and attract investment in SOEs, creating a more dynamic and competitive economy.
4. Build Consensus for Action: Generate support for the comprehensive reform of SOEs across political, business, and civil society sectors, ensuring that the reforms are sustainable, impactful, and have broad-based buy-in.