FOREWORD Banishing
FOREWORD Banishing corruption and building a competent state The virtues of meritocratic government are obvious. Credit: Sasol More so, now than ever, South Africa needs competent bureaucrats running the state, from the municipalities right through to the top tiers of national government. Citizens are crying out for a competent state. Mint Fresh Advisory Services arose out of Thuli’s desire to expand her horizons, something she’s been doing ever since she switched from studying politics to commerce. “I knew I was going to go into business from that time,” says Thuli. Reeling this back to the national lockdown in March 2020, the country has witnessed tender corruption in the Covid-19 procurement process. SACCI has publicly advocated for the principle of a competent state and officials being appointed because they can do the job. The country cannot continue to operate in a situation where jobs for pals, nepotism and cadre deployment practices continue to prevail to the detriment of the country, its taxpayer base and its international image. The image is of a corrupt system which has attracted an international status of a country with junk-bond status, not investment grade status. During 2020, various pronouncements were made by SACCI calling for current practices to be reviewed. In December 2020 government listened to SACCI and published a government gazette which espoused the virtues of a meritocratic government. In recent weeks we have seen the President and even cabinet ministers talking to this subject. The Minister of Police has supported the principle of competency within the force. The first hurdle was always going to be bringing about a mind-set change from the top down and this is now starting to materialise. But this is not something that is going to happen overnight. It’s a _________________ The years of patent corruption in government appear to be gradually coming to an end as the legal system is slowly catching up with the culprits. ________________ process which requires a gradual phasing out of people who are offered generous packages to step down, and for new best-ofbreed bureaucrats to be appointed. The argument that this is going to cost the taxpayers significantly needs to be brought into perspective. Government and state-owned enterprises currently deploy hundreds of billions of rand annually to consulting houses to buy the expertise to manage their projects. Having this expertise in-house will cost a fraction of this amount annually. Clearly, this does not require political savvy – it just makes business sense. The years of patent corruption in government appear to be gradually coming to an end as the legal system is slowly catching up with the culprits. Generally, we believe this augers well for South Africa, the economy and a bureaucracy we can all be proud of going into the future. Alan Mukoki, SACCI CEO Credit: Hannelie Coetzee/Brand SA
SMME VIRTUAL ROADSHOW PRACTICAL AND USEFUL INFORMATION ON SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO-BUSINESS IN SOUTH AFRICA. TO REGISTER: Visit www.gan.co.za and then SMME Virtual Roadshow Since 2014, the SMME Roadshow has supported small business in South Africa. Following the unprecedented challenges of 2020, Global Africa Network is relaunching the SMME Roadshow in a fully virtual, nationwide format. The SMME Virtual Roadshow, brought to you by Global Africa Network Media with Nemesis Accounting, SME Warrior and Aurum Wealth Creators, takes the form of presentations and practical guidance from thought leaders and experts in their fields. Presentations are pre-recorded for quality and convenience and presenters and their teams will be on hand to engage and interact with delegates. Delegates will also be able to network with other delegates. Who should attend? SMMEs requiring support and guidance on the following topics should attend: ABOUT GLOBAL AFRICA NETWORK Global Africa Network Media (GAN) is an established authority on business development in South Africa’s nine provinces. GAN’s online products include its well-established B2B portal, www. globalafricanetwork.com, and its monthly business and investment e-newsletters, with a reach of over 53 000 subscribers. Each of the nine titles and the national journal, South African Business, has been utilised by all levels of government, parastatals, corporates, and national and provincial businesses. GAN is a specialist in small and developing business, and the company is a trusted partner of business chambers and other representatives of organised business in each province. • Access to funding • Access to markets • Business revival • Training and skills development • Compliance and regulatory • Technology support • Running a business Each of South Africa’s nine provinces will be represented at the Roadshow, and will showcase incentives, services and opportunities available to SMMEs. For information on sponsorship opportunities, email info@gan.co.za
