This is somewhat difficult to write, the topic being a little foreign to me. Normally when I write it is informed by fact or at the very least rooted in something I am currently witnessing or have a meaningful knowledge of and affinity with. But when asked for my sense on the state of the business sentiment in KZN post the ravages of the recent turbulence, the incarceration of a very polarising public figure and a heavy coating of Covid thrown in for good measure, I find myself a little out of my depth. That doesn’t mean I don’t have an opinion so here goes.
My own business journey has been a very entrepreneurial one, peppered with many potholes and hurdles. What this journey has afforded me is the opportunity to get a meaningful look into a plethora of diverse businesses and to probe some exceptional minds on their views, motivations and ideologies. My views are based on my own strong opinions and clearly informed by those businesses and leaders as they navigate these turbulent times. These are no longer potholes or hurdles we are facing – when we take a hard look at our ability to discern hope through the metaphorical quagmire of uncertainty.
Building a sustainable business in a healthy and functioning economic landscape is difficult enough but when the very foundation you are building on turns to porridge the questions you ask take on a whole new complexion and intensity.
Firstly, you need a modicum of economic stability and an infrastructure that functions – everyday. But when it becomes abundantly apparent that this is not the case, that is when your strategy of revival, survival and growth has to be subjected to a newfound scrutiny.
In the absence of a functioning government and competent leadership, of which we have neither, the role of business becomes pivotal to the well-being of the country and the millions of South Africans depending on it for their very existence.
In mature, evolved economies the contract between government and business should be strategically and intellectually symbiotic. Very simplistically, one creates stability and a fertile environment for growth and investment while the other generates employment opportunities and the tax base that feeds the furnace of human and fiscal enterprise.
In South Africa, sadly, there is no such contract. We have a government that has an avaricious obsession with its own myopic well-being and its own self-serving durability. Business sadly is largely seen as the enemy, a threat to our delusional governments debilitating “autocracy” and not the very life force that could emerge as the panacea to our current malaise. In truth it is business that is the functioning life force that keeps this malnourished shadow of its former self still upright, albeit on a zimmer frame.
The business leaders I have interacted with are still remarkably hopeful that this fiercely resilient country will prevail. This has been bolstered by the coming together of those “good” South Africans when recent events threatened their families and livelihoods. This is the spirit that gives us hope and the motivation to continue to invest and build. What is very evident is that the trust between business and government is all but broken. Business, whether it be local, global, multi-national giants or local entrepreneurs, needs to forge a new covenant with the government. Not one where it is subservient but one where it takes the lead, holds the government accountable and withholds the fruits of its endeavours if the government does not put the people of this inspirational land before itself.
Business needs its own intellectual and inspirational “insurrection” where it attracts the much needed investment, creates livelihoods, owns and maintains vital infrastructure and equally switches the “power” off when the government does not deliver on its mandate.
So yes, there is hope and positivity, but with provisos and a heavy dose of accountability. Understandably, more than ever people are looking at a plan B should this fragile trust between those that “should” and those that “do” breaks down completely. Hopefully, plan B will never be actioned.