South Africa’s new finance minister, David van Rooyen, has promised to direct economic policies towards creating an environment conducive to investment, for the “development of all South Africans”.
Speaking briefly during his swearing-in ceremony at the Union Buildings yesterday, Van Rooyen commented: “I follow a line of remarkable leaders. They all faced this moment at a critical juncture in the country’s history,” Van Rooyen said. “Mine is a colossal task that comes at a time of a difficult global climate.”
Pointing out that global economic conditions were tough for developing and emerging markets, he said: “All economic indicators, as you are all aware, are pointing to the south. Now I must undertake in front of you, and the nation, that I will ... ensure every policy is directed at creating favourable investment conditions, leading to the development of South Africa for all South Africans – not for the few.”
