Workplace Challenge Programme Key for Enhancing Business Performance: Productivity SA CEO

Naidoo highlighted the critical role of the WCP in driving economic growth and job creation.

The Workplace Challenge Programme (WCP) is pivotal in fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to elevate South African businesses to world-class standards. This was emphasized by Amelia Naidoo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Productivity SA, during a workshop on the WCP held in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and Productivity SA, the workshop was themed: “Productivity is Key to Unlocking our Potential, Achieving our Goals, and Living a Fulfilling Life.”

Naidoo explained that the WCP was established to unite business, labor, and government to develop strategies that enhance competitiveness, growth, and sustainability within various enterprises and sectors, thereby boosting employment levels across industries.

The workshop’s primary aim was to address South Africa's economic challenges, particularly low growth rates. Naidoo highlighted the critical role of the WCP in driving economic growth and job creation.

Referencing a recent statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Naidoo noted the need for skilled, experienced individuals capable of forming partnerships to build an inclusive economy that generates jobs and reduces poverty. The WCP aligns with this vision by improving productivity and competitiveness among participating enterprises, enabling them to compete globally while creating job opportunities.

The program enhances value chain efficiencies, supports industrial competitiveness clusters, fosters continuous improvement, and promotes skills development. Over the past four years, the WCP has supported 3,127 enterprises in Gauteng.

Naidoo also announced the launch of a six-month Export Competitiveness Programme (ECP), run in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GGDA). This initiative targets emerging and established exporters, with 15 companies already approved and undergoing performance improvement training.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, South Africa has risen to 60th out of 67 countries, improving its business efficiency ranking from 58 to 54 and infrastructure from 62 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. Despite these improvements, Naidoo noted that they have yet to translate into significant economic growth.

She emphasized that the WCP, alongside other government reforms and business-government partnerships, could boost the country's competitiveness and job creation. To sustain employment growth and economic expansion, South Africa must focus on overcoming sectorial barriers, expanding training opportunities, and maintaining infrastructure.

Jocelyn Vass, Chief Director of Skills for the Economy at the dtic, also supported the initiative, underscoring the crucial role of entrepreneurs in industrialization. She encouraged businesses to leverage dtic programs for international market exposure and economic growth.

Overall, Naidoo and Vass’s remarks reinforced the importance of the WCP in driving South Africa's economic and business performance forward.