Speaking on eNCA, CDE executive director Ann Bernstein called for a significant overhaul of South Africa’s industrial policies. In the interview, she criticised the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC)’s protectionist stance and called for a shift in focus toward promoting exports and supporting the expansion of firms. She argued, “The DTIC spends too much time protecting the firms we already have, instead of focusing on how to attract and support the firms we don’t yet have.” This interview follows the release of CDE’s latest Agenda 2024 report titled Action Seven: Rethink Growth, Jobs, and the DTIC.