This friendly handshake between Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe and Minerals Council South Africa CEO Roger Baxter symbolises the constructive new ‘South Africa first’ approach of the public and private sectors to mining. Incorrect policy has been the main cause of mining’s reduced contribution to a low 4% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). A far higher GDP contribution would better match South Africa’s rich resources endowment, which is why South Africa Inc is being urged to take mining to its full potential for the benefit of the South African people.