South Africa needs long-term vision

Citation

(2011), "South Africa needs long-term vision", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 60 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm.2011.07960cab.005

South Africa needs long-term vision

Article Type: News From: International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Volume 60, Issue 3

In a keynote address at the Productivity SA annual dinner, Business Unity South Africa deputy CEO Raymond Parsons noted that as important as productivity gains were for the country’s future economic success, the concept of productivity could not be seen in isolation from a long-term vision for the local economy.

“Many of the productivity issues that are fundamental to higher standards of living for all South Africans cannot be analysed properly unless we do not start with a long term, and of necessity, vague vision. Once we have fixed a point on the distant, strategic horizon, we can plot the tactical steps, which lead in the right direction,” he stated.

A long-term vision for the country was needed in the face of “unavoidable uncertainty” to provide focus, guidance and coordination, he added.

Meanwhile, Parsons also highlighted the importance of growing the economy at a faster rate with more balanced growth between tradable and non-tradable sectors, to deal with South Africa’s high unemployment and poverty rates.