​Thembisa Shologu
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his confidence in South Africa's ability to attract higher levels of investment through private partnerships.
Speaking at the Procter & Gamble (P&G) South Africa Investment Launch and Commissioning of Premium care products in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 
President Ramaphosa said South Africa was an investment destination with significant untapped potential. 
"South Africa remains one of the preferred investment destinations in Africa and is an important gateway for markets and other business opportunities throughout the continent."
President Ramaphosa highlighted that while investment decisions often take several years to materialise, the commitments have already resulted in substantial investments in the productive economy and creating jobs.
The Investment Launch and Commissioning of Premium Care Products are integral components of South Africa's ongoing investment drive, which began with the initiation of the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in 2018. 
The SAIC set the goal of attracting R1.2 trillion in investments over five years.
Over the years, P&G has been a valuable partner to the South African government through the SAIC, consistently announcing new investments. 
The company's economic footprint has created over 4000 direct and indirect jobs within its value chain, with the promise of hundreds more jobs in the pipeline.
President Ramaphosa used the event to reaffirm his commitment to supporting P&G as part of South Africa's investment drive, emphasising the importance of local sourcing and job creation and actively contributing to the reindustrialisation of South Africa's economy.
"It has been greatly encouraging to see the company's response to our ambitious investment drive and the investment commitments made by the company at the five South Africa Investment Conferences we have held since 2018.
"We welcome the work the company has undertaken alongside government departments in expanding access to menstrual hygiene products and supporting Early Childhood Development centres," he said.
P&G's Senior Vice President, Edington, stated that the company has invested R800 million over the last five years, focusing on its premium care line, including Pampers, one of its flagship products known globally. 
P&G maintains a robust manufacturing presence in the country, with approximately 70% of its range produced locally, including raw materials and packaging. 
The company also manufactures renowned brands such as Vicks, Old Spice, Gillette, Oral B, and Pampers, among others.
"It can seem like a tick box exercise to pledge our commitment, but it is a genuine investment in the future of South Africa because we believe we will be serving South African consumers for generations to come.  
"One thing we have taken out of our journey over the 20 years in South Africa is that we do not just have a role to play in the growth of the organisations but the growth of the nation in which we operate.
"We call for a force for growth and a force for good, force for good in which we can create employment to invest in the society that operates in," said Edington.
In addition to producing exceptional products, P&G supports young women by providing access to sanitary products, enabling them to attend school and participate in their communities. 
"This is part of investing in communities to uplift society and grow along with the country. We encourage our peers and competitors to do the same; healthy competition that serves consumers is a good thing for all of us," added Edington.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi thanked P&G for their commitment to the region, especially when other firms have left due to crime concerns. 
He highlighted the potential for growth in the area and its significance in bolstering economic activities in the province. 
"This is the area that is going to create many opportunities for our people, but most importantly, it is an area that has the potential to grow and be a better area so that we can be proud of the economic activities of our province. 
Premier Lesufi pledged to ensure uninterrupted electricity and essential services for industrial areas like Kempton Park.
"We are committed to ensuring that all our industrial areas continue to have undisrupted electricity but, most importantly, services that are coming for municipalities," Premier Lesufi added.