Corporate South Africa should put more effort towards national building and transformation than it is currently doing, says, Trevor Manuel, the former minister in the presidency for the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the current non-executive chairperson of Old Mutual Group Holdings.
Unfortunately, there is a half-hearted effort towards the cause, Manuel laments, referring to the storm “racist” comments on social media platforms triggered as a sign that the country has a long way to go.
In transcripts of a speech he delivered in his address at the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) Conference for 2016 at Sun City, Manuel mentions one of the cardinal goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) released in 2011, which espouses “active citizenship” obliges firms to play a pivotal part in transforming a society which was deeply divided by the apartheid system.
Explains Manuel: “Industry is competent enough to help society transform. For South Africa to truly becoming an inclusive society, firms need to educate their staff on things that matter. Change will begin to happen once workers are engaged with and understand what they do. This will encourage innovation, he said. Part of moving South Africa forward is realising the importance of values.
“We are not using the space to concentrate on how to interrelate and become better citizens. There is an amazing opportunity for an effect.”
