Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Nurturing young professionals

Robust discussions over possible nationalisation of the country’s mines and its impact on economic transformation will be the main talking point at the launch of the Black Management Forum Young Professionals Chapter in Richards Bay this week. Hosted by the BMF KZN branch, the launch is expected to ignite vigorous debate from a panel of key role players representing among others the ANC Youth League, National Youth Development Agency, captains of business and industry and political analysts. The launch, which will also be attended by the leadership of various local municipalities, takes place on Thursday at 6pm at the Elwazini Visitors Centre, Transnet National Ports Authority. Some of the speakers include business representative Clive Manci, independent political analyst Nathi Mazibuko, Chairperson: NYDA KZN Provincial Advisory Board, Mthobisi Zwane, business representative Thabi Shange and BMF Student Chapter KZN representative Simphiwe Mntambo. The event is aimed at kick-starting progressive engagements to facilitate young professionals’ development and strategic positioning. BMF believes it is essential to develop and nurture young professionals to fast-track envisaged transformation targets and established the young professionals programme to nurture the development of young professionals in various corporate and entrepreneurship environments. By effectively engaging on issues affecting them in the corporate world through the local forum, it is hoped young professionals can also get mentorship from experienced professionals.

Debate
The discussion comes as the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) called for an open debate on nationalisation on 4 August.
On Friday, the voice of business said calls for nationalisation did not serve a constructive purpose.‘While these calls for nationalisation appear to stand in contrast to the spirit and letter of the South African Constitution, business recognises the societal inequalities and the challenges of poverty and unemployment that our country faces,’ said Sacci president, Chose Choeu. He said the new growth path, as well as the diagnostic review by the national planning commission, highlighted the need for a strong private sector and increased effectiveness in delivery by government. This included more efficient transport and logistical systems, as well as increased skills development.‘If achieved, this will lower the cost of doing business. thus providing the platform needed for the productivity gains that will enable job creation and sustainable growth, objectives shared by all South Africans,’ said Choeu. The ANC Youth League, which has called for the nationalisation of the mines, has proposed that government takes at least a 60% stake in mines. The ANC has commissioned a study which will look at the South African mining sector, as well as four other countries where the industry has been partly or fully nationalised. The issue of nationalisation is also expected to be discussed at the ANC’s policy conference next year.

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