Whispers of an entrepreneur

For the South African economy to grow, absorb youth in employment and be internationally competitive - a great focus needs to be put in a handful of industrial areas. South Africa is arguably the greatest country on the African continent - a beacon of hope and a model to be looked at and emulated, taking a moment to discard any political influence, South Africa needs to look at areas where we have a natural or achieved competitive edge. 1.     Tourism What a country we live in, if the 2017 Tourism Indaba, is anything to go by, we have a rich diversity of areas to visit. All our 9 provinces offer something special, are attractive and more importantly, unique. Each offering something the other does not and something that it can build competitiveness on.  Tourism in South Africa accounts for less than 5% of the GDP. Reportedly offering a little over 1 500 000 jobs.  Conversely, tourism in the Southeast Asian countries can account to well over ...

To start off - I am not advocating feeling sorry or making excuses for my fraternity - we are capable, dynamic, innovative and unfortunately in dire short supply. Politicians constantly advocate for job creation and of late - black industrialists and that most exquisite of meaningless drivel - Radical Economic Transformation (RET) Transformation based on taking from one to redistribute to others has no foundation in a society that wishes to continue after that handover. As history tends to - it will repeat, under a different guise but will essentially be a taking from the perceived to have; to be given to a yet undisclosed "not haves". For RET in any measure to occur - simple access to the economy needs to happen. Economic development and participation needs individuals who are driven to be given space to do what they deem valuable as seem from the study of a viable market, identified and with a willing buyer to pay for that service or product. Let me make an example - if Aun...

This term: Equal Distribution of Wealth , really alludes me, it is devoid of all logic and practical application. The Freedom Charter , which can be described as the moral designation upon which the majority of South African politics is based (by its very nature, morality and politics do not mix ) identifies the great need to redress all the inequalities, subjugation, forced poverty and heinous crimes against humanity. The one clause in the document most associated with equal distribution of wealth is that of: The people shall share in the country’s wealth .  In my opinion this is one of the most noble of the clauses – speaking to wealth creation, efficiency and free of state influence. THE PEOPLE SHALL SHARE IN THE COUNTRY'S WEALTH!   The national wealth of our country, the heritage of all South Africans, shall be restored to the people; The mineral wealth beneath the soil, the banks and the monopoly industry shall be transferred to the ownersh...

I recently celebrated my birthday – a great milestone for me. Looking back at my life, the dreams and goals I had set as a child for this auspicious date.  I was more surprised by the lessons learnt than the ticked and unticked items on my list. I would like to share the 30 great lessons I have learnt in as many years. 1.        Always have FAITH in GOD and the awesome ABILITIES HE has given you . 2.        “I love you” – these words were always uttered by my mother, she remains the greatest driver in my life. Love is so important in life. Now as a parent, I have learnt how selflessly one can love. 3.        “Inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili” (Wisdom is learnt from the elders) – I have always understood, for you to achieve anything ask those who have done it before you. I always endeavoured to look for mentors who have achieved goals similar to what I want ...

John Legend at the Citi Presents Evenings with Legends show on 29 January 2014 in New York. I went to my first concert  –   John Legend , not one to be swayed by popular culture, I was initially very apprehensive to go to this event. Largely to appease my beautiful wife  –  I decided to swallow my idiosyncratic tendencies and comply. Sitting there waiting for the show to start, I felt quite happy I had follow through on my plan to take a stiff dose of paracetamol   –  all the screaming was going to give me a massive migraine. Mr Legend entered the stage  –  about 8 mins behind schedule ( Sorry, I am anal about schedules ). From the first syllable the gent dropped,  –  I could " see " how the female undergarments of some of the ladies dropped too. They were elated by this maestro. During the show there were some moments where I wondered about my wife too.  I know I may be her black Adon...

In anything you do, to become a success you need to put in the time, energy and effort. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book – The Outliers, Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success. Two Roads Diverged His hypothesis is rooted in the understanding that for any one person to be highly successful (s)he needs to put in at minimum 10 000 hours into her/his craft. Whether it be an athlete or an entrepreneur. Practice, research and practical application will all contribute to a great future of success. I have been thinking more and more of this subject of late – looking to understand my purpose on this earth and what I would like to be remembered for. I think this maybe as a result of my pending 30 th birthday in a month’s time. If you take this process, breakdown your weekly spend at your pursuit, as an entrepreneur of 8 hours a day and 5 days a week (this is typically very low) – it would theoretically take you well over 5 years to make a success o...

I recently read an article in the Financial Mail on Tito Mboweni and his take on black economic empowerment  as it stands today. Common Stock Certificate To a large extent, I fully agree with Mr Mboweni's stance on how BEE has come to be conducted, both bad black and white partners have made a noble concept very disingenuous.  Having read this article, I find myself feeling quite distraught. According to the article - Tito Mboweni, the ex central banker of South Africa was declined a number of funding requirements to start various businesses. This was unfortunately not the part that distressed me - his assertion that giving security or collateral for a business loan, where you put up personal wealth is a fools errand. "I said you can’t pledge private wealth for business. They are two separate things. What we have here is a radio licence; if it does not work, you take the business. "No-one will seize my private wealth. They think I am a fool," says...