Johann Rupert’s tips on business are valid

LISTENING to and reading about the well-attended Power FM debate, with host Given Mkwari and South African and global brand business leader Johann Rupert, the boxing analogy of a “Rumble in the Jungle” was a good point.

The Rupert family, which now has the third generation in its business, has a solid reputation of staying committed to SA and expanding its operations globally.

For the Ruperts and many families to relocate away from SA is not a financial issue but more a family and personal choice.

As for their various managed brands/businesses there is no exclusive monopoly and regulations – consumer behaviour, technology and competitors are serious threats to their various businesses and business operating model.

As for SA, the essence of what Rupert was trying to emphasise was that for intelligent people to hang around expensive “watering holes” during the start-up phases of their lives and careers is not going to be a way to attain sustainable success and prosperity for a country.

Success would be attained by innovation, taking good business risks, weeding out the duds, and the “grit” to slog it out.

MUHAMMAD OMAR

Durban North