EXAMPLE PAGE - MAIN PAGE - ONLINE MAGAZINE - TRANSFORM - Flipbook - Page 8
preface
publishing
editor
I
Can we safely say that
even during recessionary
times decisions that are
made by executives
still favour and give
enough attention to the
transformation goals of
the country?
6
www.transformsa.co.za
t has become common knowledge that
companies spend less during a technical
recession. This is a situation that has been
at play in South Africa recently where we saw
negative economic growth for a period of two
quarters. According to Brand SA ‘the major
sectors of SA’s economy have been finance,
real estate and business services. Together
they contribute around 22% to GDP followed
by general government services at 17%, and
then the sector of wholesale, retail and motor
trade, catering and accommodation at 15%.
Manufacturing is fourth at 14%’. Although SA
has been dependent on its primary sectors
such as mining and agriculture for many years
there is a shift towards a more knowledge based
economy. This surely presents an opportunity
for growth amongst black businesses especially
those directly involved in the ICT sector. Key
sectors are affected negatively by the technical
recession but most pain is felt by industries such
as communications and marketing where an
option to redirect budget always seem much
safer and easier.
So, a question we should be concerned about
is, if companies spend less and less during
recessionary periods where does this place
transformation plans and projects. Can we
safely say that even during recessionary times
decisions that are made by executives still favour
and give enough attention to the transformation
goals of the country? Is it possible that only the
most basic of requirements are met in the form
of a tick box approach rather than a much more
concerted effort to meaningfully advance the
livelihoods of the previously disadvantaged?
What about attempts to eradicate the
gap between the rich and the poor?
Does this also take a back seat during the times
of recession?
I had the pleasure of speaking to the new Black
Management Forum president, Andile Nomlala
recently. He is passionate about transformation
and plans to pull no punches when it comes to
enforcing transformation legislation. I believe
this is important for an organisation such as
the BMF to set the tone with a clear agenda
especially on the matter of employment equity.
The financial services sector is among the
leading sectors in SA but is its transformation
equally important to the industry players?
Unfortunately various reports have indicated
that the sector has been slow to change with
ownership and management patterns looking
nowhere close to the broader demographics
of the country. Transform SA spoke to Nedbank
regarding their role in transforming the sector
and Khensani Nobanda provides some insights
regarding the work that Nedbank does in
these pages.
In view of the shift towards the knowledge
economy and the 4th industrial revolution
we spoke to Luxolo Rubushe, Adapt IT’s MD
for Education about what the company does
to keep abreast with the demands of the fastpaced ICT sector.
Mcebo Dlamini is gearing to become the next
ANC Youth League president. We asked a few
opinion makers to share their views about him
as president.
Enjoy the read.
Sakhumzi “Saki” Mabhele
