2nd September 2015 SA’s economy desperately needs a new growth path yet the nation’s policy makers, reflecting a political-economy captured by Tripartite Alliance priorities, compound already complex challenges by indulging industrial fantasies. Lacking a workable vision and adequate implementation capacity, the vague notion is floated of emphasising small business expansion programmes. Masquerading small businesses development…Continue reading SA’s new growth path – global integration, regional teamwork
Category: Articles on Economic Development, Politics and International Relations
Escaping SA’s poverty trap requires global integration
19th August 2015 Skilled professionals continue to depart beautiful and temperate South Africa for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. How is this explained? For Asians unaffiliated with SA’s history or ethnic groups, it is easy to see that the Suez Canal, built 150 years ago and recently expanded, limits SA’s current potential at least as much…Continue reading Escaping SA’s poverty trap requires global integration
Could prescribed assets save us?
12 AUGUST 2015 – 07:58 The state’s ‘working together’ slogan — seen behind President Jacob Zuma and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande — doesn’t apply to big busin As SA’s economic trajectory risks large-scale political upheaval, prescribed asset requirements could be an acceptable option, writes Shawn Hagedorn SA’s policy options are narrowing as lower commodity…Continue reading Could prescribed assets save us?
Kodak moment may elude ANC
22 JULY 2015 – 08:03 Like Kodak which was unable to adapt to a changing operating environment, the ANC’s misalignment with changing economic realities has been steering the economy into a cul-de-sac. Picture: REUTERS/CARLO ALLEGRI Misaligned party heading for fate like film maker’s, writes Shawn Hagedorn DIGITAL photography did not displace film unexpectedly. Consumers abandoned…Continue reading Kodak moment may elude ANC
Progress demands a culture change
10 JUNE 2015 – 09:08 We are all products of successful cultures — and yet global developments point to none of today’s cultures being well suited to the future, says the writer. Picture: GCIS Clinging to past practices tempts disaster, writes Shawn Hagedorn SHORTLY after the Second World War, many of the world’s top universities…Continue reading Progress demands a culture change
Zuma’s strategy lacks dynamism
28 MAY 2015 – 07:09 ELON Musk, perhaps today’s most visionary business leader, has an approach to problem solving — and thinking — beyond the next major pivot that is starkly at odds with how SA is confronting its present and future. The contrast with President Jacob Zuma’s black industrialists project spotlights key differences. Many…Continue reading Zuma’s strategy lacks dynamism
Like HIV, SA’s poverty trap can be managed
07 MAY 2015 – 08:01 WE WANT to believe the xenophobic attacks and the Marikana tragedy are exceptions. But while these horrors leave us deeply troubled, a difficult reality is setting in: the element of surprise has been lost. The only people who are shocked are those farthest removed from the problem. Public and private…Continue reading Like HIV, SA’s poverty trap can be managed
Irrational politics keeping millions trapped in poverty
07 MAY 2015 – 16:16 Like the HIV pandemic which killed millions before politicians listened to science, SA’s poverty trap can be escaped if politicians implement good policies We want to believe the xenophobic attacks and the Marikana tragedy are exceptions. But while these horrors leave us deeply troubled, a difficult reality is setting in:…Continue reading Irrational politics keeping millions trapped in poverty
Charity campaigns to bring internet to rural Africa cause disruptions
21 APRIL 2015 – 07:52 A Zimbabwean girl retrieves a solar panel from a demolished makeshift shelter at Manzou Farm in Mazowe. Epic leaps are required to go from subsistence farming to digital employment. Change in isolated areas due to greater connectivity is understudied, writes Shawn Hagedorn FABULOUSLY wealthy technologists are exploring ingenious ways to…Continue reading Charity campaigns to bring internet to rural Africa cause disruptions
Central bank should not stand above the fray
13 APRIL 2015 – 07:50 AS THE nation’s current, intermediate, and perhaps long-term economic growth trajectories have recently ratcheted significantly lower, parliamentarians need to explore the extent to which they should hold the South African Reserve Bank accountable. This seems unfair as the Bank is arguably the least culpable, most professional and most capable among…Continue reading Central bank should not stand above the fray