Readers’ Views

Black entrepreneurship is everybody’s business

I FOUND Mark Lamberti’s view on the best way forward for South Africa quite refreshing, “Lessons at the dinner table from an old pro” (November 16).

His views on the fundamental constraints faced by black entrepreneurs were quite accurate.

It is important for us to move forward and not complain continuously about the generational damage that apartheid has caused.

But it is as essential that we maintain a balanced view of it all and acknowledge that the system designed to thwart the growth of black people continues to do so.

Twenty years into our democracy, we cannot expect to eradicate the effect of centuries of oppression, specifically on the self-esteem and confidence of black people.

I think Mr Lamberti hits the nail on the head by speaking of the importance of mentors or role models for black entrepreneurs.

The captains of industry he speaks of are Adrian Gore and Brian Joffe — a kid growing up in a township can hardly identify with these guys, great as they are; the onus rests on all young black entrepreneurs to become those role models.

The immediate outlook for our country isn’t encouraging, but Lamberti is able to find optimism and recognise opportunities while most are whining about this and that.

I take my hat off to him and your publication for bringing everyone to the conversation, not just black businessmen, to discuss black entrepreneurship. It’s an issue that concerns everyone. — Sicebile Ndlovu,

by e-mail

Egos played their part in the demise of Ellerines

ANOTHER retail giant has fallen, and, with the exit of the late Syd and Eric Ellerine, it was inevitable, “No comfort for credit model as Ellerines falls” (November 16).

Syd was purported to have known every nook and cranny in South Africa. I met him in Isipingo, where he, with his area manager, personally measured a soon-to-be-leased store in the early ’90s.

Syd was known for his toughness and negotiations, and having driven a Camry, sent a message of austerity. This message was endorsed by the most ordinary staff, which was the essence of the Ellerines/Town Talk business model.

Enter the big egos. Thinking a bank could sell furniture made no sense. The writing was on the wall a long time ago. — Muhammad Omar, Durban

Survé’s ‘independent media’ a cloak for Zuma’s failures

WHO is Iqbal Survé bluffing, “Iqbal Survé on yoga, science and media bosses” (November 16)? We saw the message he sent to editorial staff at the Cape Times (and the other editors) when he fired the newspaper’s editor. Toe the line or else!

His connections with the leadership of the ANC and the financial benefits of delivering a tame press to Jacob Zuma and the ANC have rich rewards. Note Zimbabwe. Here comes “Robert” Zuma — just in a more surreptitious form.

Zuma and the ANC can no longer cope with the damage of ongoing press exposés of their failures and corruption. They seek the protection of their interpretation of an “independent media”. Ron Legg, Durban