SA scores in wrong areas

RESPECT: BEAUTY TITLE, VICTORIES ON THE SPORTS FIELD AND ACCLAIMED CELEBRITIES

Performance judged by governance in global, corporate and political terms.

It’s not all doom and gloom in South Africa. The Springboks, comedian Trevor Noah, rapper Sho Madjozi and newly crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi are among those who have shown the country in a good light on the global stage this year.

According to Dr Petrus de Kock, GM of research at Brand SA, the “brand performance” of a country is anchored by perspectives on governance in global, corporate and political terms.

“The national brand’s global and domestic reputation is, to a large extent, shaped by perceptions of efficient internal governance, while [its] contribution to global governance has a direct bearing on international perceptions,” De Kock says.

He adds that victories such as winning the Rugby World Cup and Miss Universe titles get South

Africa onto the lips of people in other countries and creates well-deserved respect, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into economic growth for the country.

De Kock says South Africans are not just endowed with talent in the field of arts and culture, but have proven exceptionally innovative when it comes to the

Fourth Industrial Revolution, and have exceeded expectations with regards to 3D printing capabilities.

“This year, we had the first in the world 3D-printed [prosthesis] in an ear transplant that was innovated here in South Africa.”

Based on the latest World Economic Forum Global Competitive Index (GCI) methodology, South Africa still ranks extremely well in terms of market size, finance system and innovation capability.

De Kock points out that SA ranks in the top 40 in innovation capability, the top 30 for innovation, science and technology and is one of the top 10 globally for 3D technology capability.

However, if you live in South Africa and not under a rock, you can’t miss that the government is doing a lot of damage to the SA brand that the wider population are working towards building.

In the Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2018, South Africa dropped in rankings.

The ranking focuses on sustainable economic opportunity, safety and rule of law, participation and human rights, as well as human development.

Picture: Tracy Lee Stark Performers at Sandton City during yesterday. The adventure, which includes creative master puppetry, runs until January 5, with tickets online.