Progressive Leader – Issue 5
In the first issue of Progressive Leader in 2008, we emphasised two important elements of our coverage. Firstly, we would promote mutual support; urging PBF members to support other members of the PBF, and through the pages of the Progressive Leader we would connect them to one another. Secondly, as part of the PBF’s mandate as a supportive arm of the movement, Progressive Leader would showcase the leadership, policies and activities of the African National Congress, as ruling party in South Africa.
Looking at the previous issues, and judging by the many positive responses we have received, nationally and internationally, we are satisfied that the goals we set at the outset are being achieved.
In the course of our very wide-ranging coverage of people, events and viewpoints, various milestones and highlights have been refl ected, such as the ANC election victory and the assumption of office of the Jacob Zuma administration in 2009, the special Nelson Mandela issue, marking his release 20 years ago in 2010 and the more recently magnificently successful 2010 Soccer World Cup.
This current issue also reflects an important milestone – the recent National General Council of the ANC, which forms a large part of the content of Progressive Leader 5. Not only was the event a major positive step forward for the ANC as movement and for its top elected officials, it was also an undisputed personal triumph for President Jacob Zuma, whose stature continues to grow nationally and internationally. The extensive range of significant international visits by our President have significantly raised the visibility and prominence of our country as a global force for good, a trading partner of reliability and value, and an investment destination of great potential. For this lifting and strengthening of our country’s global profile, President Jacob Zuma deserves the unqualified acknowledgment and appreciation of every patriotic South African.
Another encouraging feature of the NGC was the extent of business visibility and support for the PBF Network Forum which took place in tandem with the main NGC proceedings. The unstinting participation by business, big and small, and businessmen and women in events like the business exhibition, the memorable gala dinner, the five highly informative PBF business breakfasts addressed by our Deputy President and key ministers, all underlined the sound and valued relationships which exists between the ANC and business, which is the envy of many countries and governments.
On this positive note we wish all our readers, our colleagues, our PBF members and supporters and our fellow comrades in the ANC a happy and regenerative festive season; and every good wish for an exciting and successful 2011.
Renier Schoeman & Daryl Swanepoel
Co-Editors
