At the prestigious Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at the opening of News24’s On the Record Summit on 19 March 2026, setting a decisive tone for dialogue on the country’s economic future.
The summit marks the culmination of a rigorous nine-month research initiative conducted by News24 in collaboration with the Africa Centre. The project engaged approximately 60 influential South Africans drawn from academia, business and civil society all contributing insights into practical strategies aimed at generating five million jobs over the next decade.
In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of inclusive economic growth and the importance of partnerships across sectors. He underscored that sustainable job creation requires not only government intervention but also meaningful collaboration with private enterprise and civil society. His remarks reflected a broader commitment to addressing South Africa’s persistent unemployment challenges through innovative and actionable solutions.
The On the Record Summit has brought together a diverse and influential audience, including business leaders, civil society representatives, civil servants, trade union leaders, political figures and key international stakeholders. This convergence of voices underscores the summit’s role as a critical platform for shaping policy dialogue and fostering consensus on the country’s socio-economic priorities.
Discussions throughout the summit are expected to focus on scalable interventions, investment opportunities and structural reforms necessary to unlock economic growth. With the ambitious target of creating five million jobs, the initiative represents a significant step toward reimagining South Africa’s economic trajectory.
As conversations unfold, the summit stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership in addressing one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
