A Letter to the President
Many of you may have seen the below letter, written by Stephen Price to President Jacob Zuma, which was published a few weeks back. It sums up what is needed from our leaders in power as well as anyone who is in a position of leadership. In South Africa, as in many other parts of the world, strong leadership is so critical in establishing a culture of respect, service and unity for positive and productive growth. Ultimately, this letter serves as much as a reminder to the leader in each of us as it does a desperate plea to President Zuma.
Undermining the Constitution
Undermining the Constitution
By Reuel Khoza
A storm erupted in South Africa during the past fortnight, and it was not Cyclone Irina that caused it. The latter dumped some heavy rain on the east coast and then went away into the Indian Ocean south of Madagascar where it sat lurking.
The storm I am talking about arose over a City Press report stating that the ANC government plans to revise the Constitution.Three particular changes were mooted in City Press:
- Removing the basic right of property ownership,
- Reducing and centralising the powers of the provinces, and
- Tampering with the independence of the Reserve Bank.
It just so happens we are in Constitution Week when we are supposed to celebrate the document, not mourn its passing.
Entrepreneurs in Chains
Clem Sunter’s recent article ‘Entrepreneurs in Chains’ is a particularly insightful and, in my opinion, accurate summation of how the South African business and government sector need to shift their thinking with regard to the role that the entrepreneur must play in our countries economic future. I am, as always, interested to hear your thoughts in the comments section below..
Entrepreneurs in Chains
By: Clem Sunter
This article is prompted by two conversations I have had recently; one with a young Chinese woman at a lunch with friends last Sunday and the other with a South African businessman who has just returned from Lagos in Nigeria.
In the first conversation, the lady said that despite the strong political hold that the Chinese Communist Party has over the nation, in the minor towns and villages across the country economic anarchy reigns. This has been incredibly beneficial in that it has led to an entrepreneurial revolution which has propelled China to No 2 in the global economic order behind the US. It may not be the sole cause because you have to consider foreign investment in China as well, but sure as night follows day it has helped.
6 Needs for a Better Education System in South Africa
Thomas Friedman’s book ‘That Used to Be Us – What Went Wrong with America – and How it Can Come Back’ is a mine of useful information regarding topics from corporate hubris to national education. Of particular interest are his thoughts on the American education system and how he feels there are 6 points which need to be addressed in order for the education system to function effectively in the 21st century.
The Sad Reality of South African Education
Jonathan Jansen’s article ‘Matric razmatazz conceals sad reality‘ was published on Saturday, a few days after the Department of Education announced the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate Results. Jansen’s writing is to the point and ultimately asks us not to listen to the Department of Educations political hype but rather to look at the reality of what our education system is actually delivering.’ The truth is indeed a sad reality which will take much more work from private sector involvement and guidance to steer back in even the vaguest of right directions…
The Sad Reality of South African Education
Jonathan Jansen’s article ‘Matric razmatazz conceals sad reality‘ was published on Saturday, a few days after the Department of Education announced the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate Results. Jansen’s writing is to the point and ultimately asks us not to listen to the Department of Educations political hype but rather to look at the reality of what our education system is actually delivering.’ The truth is indeed a sad reality which will take much more work from private sector involvement and guidance to steer back in even the vaguest of right directions…
10% of the Population as Community Volunteers
One of the most interesting goals of China’s new Five Year Plan is to have 10% of its population as community volunteers. When you recognise that 10% of the Chinese population stands at approximately 135 million people, you being to gain a realistic understanding of what a staggering thought process this is! It is a hugely positive, if not ambitious, target to try and mobilise such a vast quantity of their citizens to give to the community and play their role in building China as a nation. Not only is it a sign of the time that their is such a significant emphasis being placed on community involvement and volunteering, but it also symbolizes the a certain ‘Ubuntu” that this seemingly unemotional and clinical nation has lying beneath their surface.
Is China raping Africa?
Over the last decade, China has rapidly increased its economic ties with Africa through enormous investment in infrastructure development, textiles, mining and oil. According to the Chinese government, two way trade between Africa and China has surpassed over US $114 Billion. With such vast quantities of money at play, it is not hard to imagine how easily seduced governments, businesses and individuals are by the finances China brings into play.
The question that needs to be asked however, is if China is raping Africa? The short answer, paradoxically, is both Yes and No.
A New Deal for Economic Freedom
Following on from Clem Sunter’s article posted at the end of last week about redirecting the passionate rhetoric of Julius Malema I want to publish Sunter’s second article entitled ‘New Deal or No Deal’. The jist of the article is that South Africa needs a new deal to launch itself ‘onto the growth path of becoming a winning nation; or no deal plunging the nation into civil war’. Much like the function of Codesa facilitating a new political democracy for South Africa in the early 1990’s, this new deal needs to do the same for economic democracy in this country.
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