BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE environment where people worked together and used their diversity as strength — are now questioning what has happened , as that diversity is now being perverted .” Mfebe cites the current fixation along racial lines that pervades the climate , stoked by Bell Pottinger and its now infamous ' White Monopoly Capital ' slogan .
Threats and opportunities
“ We are sitting on a time bomb ,” the CEO states flatly and adds , “ not only in South Africa but throughout Africa . The working population of Africa is getting younger while in the developed countries , the population is ageing . This presents two issues : a threat and an opportunity ,” he points out . “ The threat is an agile , impatient , and educated youth that is politically savvy ; the same youth that started the Arab Spring ; the same youth that displaced incompetent rulers in Libya , Tunisia , and Egypt , mobilising through social media .” Mfebe cautions that the same groundswell could be happening in South Africa , with the Fees Must Fall movement — this is the threat . “ On the other hand , this presents an opportunity ,” he adds . He goes on to describe that a “ younger , relatively educated , younger population can be accommodated if we diversify and expand the economy ” through partnerships , “ because you cannot redistribute poverty ”. He highlights the conundrum facing the country — the ‘ chicken and egg ’ scenario : “ Without the economy expanding , you cannot talk about radical transformation . You need to focus on those sectors of the economy where there is potential for diversification , for example beneficiation in mining . The products we sell to other markets increase in value , create jobs , and expand the economy .” He suggests that by “ fixing the policy environment ”, doing business in South Africa will become easier , removing the need to go through a “ plethora of departments for approvals and procedures to set up a business ”, Mfebe explains . “ However , despite the work being done to alleviate the situation , it is still difficult to do mygirlsquad . com business in South Africa ; in fact , it serves as a deterrent .” Regardless of the many protocols to which the SADC region adheres , many countries “ stick to their sovereignty issues ” he points out , creating bottlenecks at border posts and ports . To ease this congestion and become more productive , smooth transportation of goods and people across the borders needs to be addressed and sorted out , he states . “ If it is difficult for people to come into the country , it is strangling another potential revenue stream , namely , tourism .” The international norm is that for every eight foreign tourists visiting a country , one permanent job is created , Mfebe informs . Therefore , ease of border access is a priority , he says and clarifies : “ We are not talking economic refugees ; we are talking about visitors from inter- Africa and globally . We need to promote tourism ; it is a valuable revenue stream , both domestic and from within Africa , and we need to encourage tourists from outside of the continent .” With conviction , Mfebe claims that “ South Africa has an advanced infrastructure , to the shock of many international investors . We have beautiful roads , cities , and services like the Gautrain . They are amazed at our achievements , finding a ‘ home away from home ’ within our borders . We are a country endowed with natural resources . So too , South Africa is noted for its well-established financial system , including reliable , well-regulated banks in terms of international protocols —
Sandton CBD , Johannesburg – financial hub of South Africa .
and sophisticated financial markets , second to none ,” he comments . The executive says that despite the diverse skills set , there are critical shortages that are being addressed through the SETAs . [ Although there is concern that money is paid without the necessary services manifesting .] Nevertheless , no other country [ in Africa ] compares to our skills base , he maintains , while cautioning : “ However , all these things that work to our advantage , combined , will come to nought if the political and policyuncertain landscape persists , as they will continue to bedevil our economic prospects ,” he says . He urges democratic change “ through the ballot and not the bullet ”, for the electorate to implement change in the 2019 election , and to hold the leadership to accountability . “ I think we can learn from the recent events in Zimbabwe ,” Mfebe comments . “ Unless the [ South African ] leaders listen to the citizens and recognise that they are only in the positions of power because the citizens put them there , we run the same risk . If the leadership does not listen to the electorate , then that is a dictatorship . Dictatorship may be sweet to those in power , but as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow , it will always have a bitter end ,” he adds sombrely . If South Africa could harness its true potential , the country could once again become a force de résistance in this landscape of graft and corruption , once again attaining its lost status as the powerhouse of Africa . nn
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