Address by the Minister of Communications, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo at the Institute of Risk Management South Africa
Programme Director,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
It is indeed an honour and a privilege to be part of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa 2017 Conference. My understanding of the work that risk professionals do is to assist organisations to proactively manage risks and their consequences. If we do not manage risk even in our individual capacity as well as in corporate the consequences are dire. It is important that risk factors are proactively managed before implementing any programme.
We need to improve in applying principles of risk management. Lack of risk management systems often results in corruption.
The task you have set me is however not an easy one. The definition of leadership has been defined by a multitude of scholars through the ages.
However, anyone who has ever had to lead knows that true leadership cannot occur by formula. Many of the greatest leaders of our time followed no set script, yet their achievements and influence continue to echo through time.
Our own history abounds with the deeds of many great leaders, and contrary to popular belief there are many current and emerging leaders who have the proverbial “right stuff”.
Friends,
OR Tambo was one of the greatest leaders our nation has ever produced; he knew that leadership often entailed untold responsibility and sacrifice. But just as importantly he knew that leadership took many forms and that no-one person could carry the burden alone.
The Constitution we see today has got the footprint and DNA of OR Tambo. He was a formidable leader who cared a lot about this country and its people.
It is most fitting that our nation will honour his legacy in October during the centenary celebration of the life of OR Tambo. I invite you all to follow the hashtag ORTambo100 on Twitter and to contribute to the discourse around the legacy of this great man.
We meet today against the backdrop of a world beset by numerous conflicts, threats and fractures. Everywhere one goes the narrative that emerges is the need for strong and decisive leadership.
I support the call for strong and decisive leadership. However, like OR Tambo, I believe that there is room for people at all levels to demonstrate leadership. We cannot fall into the trap of believing that only one person, or a small cohort of leaders have the answers.
There are a number of accepted common traits of leaders and leadership. These include having a clear vision that is willingly followed by others.
Another trait is the ability to balance the conflicting interests of various sectors of society. Moreover we would all agree that leaders should show their mettle during times of crises, and inspire others in difficult situations.
Undoubtedly there are some in our nation who might conclude that South Africa, and its leadership are lacking in the traits outlined above. However, I would argue strongly that we are well placed to crack the leadership code.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have that vision in our National Development Plan. It was a plan agreed upon by all sectors of society, and remains our vision for a better and more prosperous society by 2030. It is our plan, and must therefore be worked on and implemented by all in society.
The second trait is the ability to balance the conflicting interests of various sectors of society. The change we all crave lies within us and must be fought for by everyone.
Lastly, I spoke of the need for leaders to show their mettle during times of crises, and inspire others in difficult situations. South Africa finds itself in a very difficult situation. Our economy is slowing, sustained drought has impacted parts of the country, and millions of our fellow countrymen and women are beset by poverty, inequality and unemployment.
If we are to emerge stronger and more united we need all sectors of the country, most notably the business sector to stand up and lead the charge for change. Government is working hard to create an enabling environment that allows business and entrepreneurs to thrive. But ultimately it’s in our collective hands to build the country of our dreams.
Programme Director,
The Institute of Risk Management South Africa, in their annual publication; “South Africa Risk 2017” points to lack of leadership being the fifth most prominent issue facing our nation at country level.
This report identifies corruption as being the number one risk. It is notable that both these issues have been highlighted as clear and present dangers to our democratic order – But have we diagnosed the problem correctly. I think corruption is not necessarily a risk but a manifestation of inadequate risk management systems.
Corruption is by no means just a government problem or a South African problem. It is a complex social, political and economic disease that affects all countries.
Therefore government has moved to implement a National Anti-Corruption Strategy in collaboration with all sectors of society. The strategy will be drawn up as a collective approach to deal with the scourge of corruption and will reflect the will of the nation.
The strategy will inform the work of government and the citizenry towards building a country as envisioned in the National Development Plan. It reflects elements such as prevention (inclusive of integrity management, communication, awareness raising and education); reporting and detection; investigation; prosecution and resolution; monitoring and evaluation; consequence management and partnership development.
In closing,
Our greatest strength as a nation is our recognition of the power of the collective. Collectively we must begin to address the many challenges and bottlenecks that keep people trapped in poverty, inequality and unemployment. Together we must challenge the status quo.
Our nation requires brave men and women to stand up in all spheres of society; in villages, in communities, in boardrooms, classrooms, in civil society, and all across our nation.
We need active citizens who will drive social and societal change. When South Africans stand together there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. Let us therefore pull together during this trying time and find solutions to our challenges. By working together, and by showing collective leadership we can break down the barriers that prevent our nation from moving forward.
The change we want to see starts with you and I. Stand up and lead wherever you are. Make a change, and inspire others to be the change they want to see. This is our nation, this is our future, and together we can ensure that we move South Africa forward.
I thank you.
Follow us on Twitter: @GovernmentZA @GCISMedia @MinAyandadlodlo
