Developing a Future Desired State for Community Victory, was the topic of the Leadership Lecture Series, presented by Prof Anthony Rippon, at Mancosa [GSB] on Thursday 21st April 2016. The Leadership Lecture Series, serves as a platform to deliver talks which are related to the continuous complexities and challenges related to the lack of leadership that South African societies face, and the possible solutions that the country can adapt to overcome possible encounters.
Prof Rippon’s lecture, emphasised that there is a need to instil an ethical and professional foundation within the South African public and government sectors to reflect transparent public governance free from all forms of corruption. He stated that it is crucial to re-look at how the public sector is currently being managed, due to the lack of funding and involvement of partnerships between businesses and public sector organisations.
“Effective and efficient management of combined resources can possibly emerge”, says Professor Rippon.
According to the South African National Development Plan (NDP), the focus is to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by the year 2030. The implementation of this step-by-step process will take place over the next 17 years. Such long-term perspective will require careful strategic and effective management of resources on a government level, as well as the involvement of public-private partnerships.
Professor Rippon also suggested that for non-profit and public sector organisations, the motive to add value and solve issues of concern in communities and society in general, outweighs the need for profits. South Africans all want a good quality of life therefore need to keep in mind that whilst these public-private partnerships aim to assist the poorer communities and alleviate inequality, simultaneously the path must be paved to sustain a long-term existence for future generations to come.
These outcomes are difficult to measure financially, but can be measured in performance. Community development and preserving the public sector are far more achievable when there are joint contributions from all sectors.
The future and the environment of South Africa are in the hands of our government, businesses and communities. The question is; How will they mold our future going forward? The lecture concluded with an informative question and answer session.
