2 October 2007
Dr Mokgokong
The Jasco Board and Management
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentleman
It is my honour to be with you today and feel especially honoured to have
been requested to deliver this address at such an auspicious occasion for
Jasco. This electronics company founded in 1976 is a reflection today of the
winds of change that have been blowing over South Africa. The year 1976 is an
eventful year in the South African Calendar as it was when crucial political
and economic happenings changed the landscape of our country. Globally the
world view of South Africa was changing with dramatic effects on our land. When
10 to 11 years later Jasco was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
about 210 other companies were also listed. Of these companies only 24 are
still listed today and Jasco is one of them, indicative of its resilience and
ability to adapt to changing times and conditions. We congratulate them for
surviving.
Today the landscape in which Jasco is operating is very different. It now
exists in a democratic environment in which many challenges exist. One of the
most difficult of these is transformation. The transformation of economic,
political, personnel, race, and gender relations as they affect the business
entities and the people related to that business â whether within or external
to that business. Its portfolio of businesses is in the design and manufacture,
assembling and distribution of electronic and electrical products and
solutions. In adjusting to the challenges of transformation and business
environmental change, Jasco recognised the need for new partners. It was not
afraid of change in ownership. It took on a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)
partner in 2003 and today this company through a transaction with CHI
(Community Investment Holding) has the majority stake in Jasco. Its chairperson
is a woman â a black one nogal. What an adventure that must have been.
Today, in the era of convergence of technologies and information and
communication technology (ICT) services with the rapid approach of the 2010
World Cup, the challenges are great but not insurmountable and the
opportunities are greater while the fruits are the best. Jasco has already
answered the question. Do you want to survive, and do you want to change to
survive? Do you want to reinvent yourself for the new era? I have the
impression that Jasco is not afraid of change and under the leadership of Anna
Mokgokong I know theyâll run towards it.
The ICT sector in the convergence era portends enormous growth and wealth
creation for all participants. Harness the opportunities created. Open
yourselves up further to innovation because the opportunity space from
innovation is tremendous. New business models, new partnerships, new
competitors and new consumers are making for exciting times. In a South Africa
and an Africa that would want to lead the new way of doing business and bring
development, peace and stability, find the best way of being part of the
solution for our challenges. You may become the example of Best Practice in
your sector and in our country.
Our government, together with other African governments and their telecom
companies and financiers are working hard to build telecoms infrastructure,
both undersea and terrestrial, to connect the continent's different parts as
well as connect to Asia, South America and the north. This will open up trade
and scientific exchange that is likely to waken up the African giant. We would
like this to happen before 2010 and speed up thereafter. As we move closer to
2010 and the World Cup, we are confident that we have the scale, the
reliability, skill capacity and partnership potential to be ready for the 2010
World Cup. That readiness will launch us into a higher growth path and delivery
mode. We are willing, able and ready to make this country and continent a
success. I have no doubt you will be ready â are ready for that prosperous
future and the exciting times it brings.
I thank you and wish you success in your future endeavours.
Issued by: Department of Communications
2 October 2007
Source: Department of Communications (https://www.doc.gov.za)
