Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed accomplished business leader and former Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry, Dr. Alistair Ruiters, as Special Advisor: Investment Promotion.
“Dr Ruiters will advise President Ramaphosa on South Africa’s continuing investment drive, which is a principal component of the 7th Administration’s focus on inclusive economic growth and job creation,” explained Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President, in a statement on Wednesday, (30 April 2025).
Magwenya said the government was implementing a broad range of economic reforms aimed at rendering South Africa more attractive and rewarding for domestic and international investors; advancing greater diversification of the economy, and broadening South Africa’s integration into continental and global supply chains.
Dr. Ruiters held the position of Director-General of Trade and Industry for five years until April 2005, which followed 11 years of service in the department.
He holds a D Philosophy degree from Oxford University and a BA Honours from the University of Cape Town, among other qualifications.
Dr. Ruiters is a former Commissioner of the Competition Commission who, as an entrepreneur, established several businesses and served as Chief Executive and Chairperson of diverse institutions and enterprises, including the National Empowerment Fund, Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, and the Afarak Group.
