Carry out the many plans

I have read the media statement on “Economic Transformation, Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for SA” [by theTreasury].

The order of the words in the title ... gives a hint of how ... South Africans prioritise the objectives. First transformation and lastly competitiveness.

The central fact of life in our times is that the world is without borders (global) and is driven by competition. Not being able to compete in a global world simply means objectives number one and two are possible only by robbing Peter and giving to Paul. This eventually leads into a downward spiral (30% unemployment).

The second remark questions how much of SA’s problems can be traced to external uncontrollable factors and how much to our own doings. Falling from 44th to 67th in the competitive rankings indicates one thing: other countries are outperforming us ... despite the bigger environment they share with us. They have been more successful in applying their resources.

Then the favourite “remedy” to all the problems since 1994. PLANS! Yes, plans and more plans and more plans. Our own plans, plans by madly expensive consultants, conferences at extremely expensive venues, meetings with people arriving in big shiny cars to tell us about their plans.

The answer is in first-year management textbooks: plan then organise, execute and control. Nothing happens if you stop at the plan. I sincerely trust this is not just another plan that tells us of the “dream city” and millions of new jobs. Organise, implement and control, my dear sir!

Last remark: if you destroy the horizon, that which we as South Africans hope and aim for, you will never reach your three objectives.

Martin Lombaard Via e-mail