Growth must be SA’s central objective – IRR webinar

South Africa’s deepest social failures, from high unemployment to poverty, stem from prolonged economic stagnation. The inaugural 2026 paper in the IRR’s Blueprint for Growth series explains why growth must become the central objective of public policy and details the reforms needed to achieve it.

In Tuesday’s webinar, IRR Projects and Publications Manager Terence Corrigan will discuss the key themes of the paper with its author, IRR CEO Dr John Endres.

Says Endres: “Many other growth plans have, of course, been drafted for and by the government. Often, however, they are vague, complex, and impractical – or have time frames so long as to make them seem irrelevant. Others seek instant fixes and so rely on gimmicks such as ‘wage subsidies’ and ‘industrial development zones’, while overlooking the structural reforms required.

“The IRR’s Blueprint for Growth avoids these pitfalls. It will have a measurable impact on investment, growth, employment, and income levels within 18 months. It will restore confidence in the economy, which is at a low ebb after the prolonged Covid-19 lockdown and many more years of bad policy, anaemic growth, corruption, and lacklustre governance.”

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Time: 10h00

Speakers: John Endres, IRR CEO,

Terence Corrigan, Projects and Publications Manager

Media contact: Terence Corrigan IRR projects and publications manager Tel: 066 470 4456 Email: terence@irr.org.za 

Media enquiries: Michael Morris Tel: 066 302 1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za