South African businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Oppenheimer has called on the government to take bold steps to reduce overregulation and allow entrepreneurs to drive the country’s economic revival.
Speaking in a recent interview, Oppenheimer warned that excessive bureaucracy and inconsistent policies are undermining investor confidence and stifling innovation.
Oppenheimer, heir to one of South Africa’s most prominent business families, said the country has become “not capital-friendly”, citing rising operational costs, inefficient state systems, and red tape that discourage both local and foreign investment.
“We need to fix ourselves,” he said. “South Africa cannot continue to operate in an environment where entrepreneurs are strangled by regulations rather than supported to grow and create jobs.”
He emphasized that the private sector must be allowed to play a central role in rebuilding the economy, adding that the informal sector’s resilience is a sign of South Africans’ underlying entrepreneurial spirit.
“Despite the obstacles, many small businesses continue to thrive informally. This shows that innovation and determination exist — but government policy must unlock, not block, that energy,” he noted.
The comments come at a time when business leaders have been urging policymakers to implement structural reforms to attract investment and stimulate job creation.
Analysts say Oppenheimer’s warning echoes growing frustration among investors over South Africa’s slow regulatory approvals, unreliable energy supply, and weak infrastructure maintenance.
Economists agree that reducing administrative barriers could unleash private investment and accelerate growth in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and logistics.
These industries are seen as essential to driving inclusive development and addressing the country’s high unemployment rate.
Oppenheimer’s remarks are likely to add pressure on the government to speed up economic reforms and adopt a more business-friendly approach.
“If we empower entrepreneurs instead of restricting them, South Africa can return to being one of Africa’s leading investment destinations,” he concluded.
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