On 14 February 2018, Former State President Jacob Zuma resigned from his position as President of the Republic of South Africa. This has been met by jubilation by some and scepticism by others. President Cyril Ramaphosa has his work cut out for him as the new leader of one of Africa's brightest beacons of hope.
Image: Aljazeera.com
One needs to be circumspect of how instrumental the president is in setting the tone in the implementation or lack thereof of policy. Policy implementation or its lack of implementation will have tangible externalities for citizens.
I think the president has an idea of what he has to do in order to make South Africa Inc. a well-oiled machine. His State of the Nation Address is an indication of this. I will just mention one key area where success is a non-negotiable: Functional constitutional democracies comprise of, amongst other things, strong institutions. It is also worth noting that, as highlighted by a wise gentleman, institutional excellence is a function of, amongst other things, incumbents. In essence, an institution which was brilliant a decade ago and is brilliant today will not automatically remain brilliant in the decade to come. Similarly, one which did poorly does not necessarily have to remain so in the future. An important determinant of institutional performance are the people at the helm. To paraphrase Dr Randall Pinkett regarding Jim Collins' now legendary business book, Good to Great, which analyses how good companies become great companies, "Who is on the bus is more important than where the bus is going." A great team can make all the difference. This is why talent is the greatest resource which any nation possesses.
Institutions such as SARS, the NPA, The Hawks, The Competition Commission, SAPS as well as SOE's such as PRASA, ESKOM and SAA need to rise to the occasion for South Africa to make strides towards fulfilling its potential. Despite commissions of inquiry often being lambasted because by definition, they are tasked with reporting findings, giving advice and making recommendations. Their findings are not legally binding. One hopes they will not be a futile exercise in this instance. I hope, unlike the Heher Commission, the commission of inquiry into tax administration and governance at SARS announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa will comprise of the right personnel, in the right place and will yield fruit.
A country is a juggernaut comprising of many different parts which need to function optimally in order for the whole to achieve meaningful results. The challenge for President Ramaphosa is to attain a positive symbiotic relationship, in light of South Africa past and present, for South Africa's future and advancement.
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