Unisa online - Take the lead: a call to action

Unisa SBL DBL, MBA and MBL graduates

“Let us be clear on one thing, government does not create jobs – that is the role of the private sector. However, government creates an enabling environment and support for businesses to thrive. Such support comes in various forms, including tax breaks, subsidies or incentives. Nonetheless, even if the government creates this environment successfully, we will only achieve limited success if we are short on one important ingredient: entrepreneurship,” said Dr Thabo Mosala, guest speaker at the recent SBL graduation dinner at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, celebrating DBL, MBA and MBL graduates.

Dr Thabo Mosala, an SBL alumnus and part-time lecturer, challenged the graduates and the audience not to accept the status quo but rather to take the lead and break the ground in uncharted territory. “The concept of beneficiation is now gaining much needed focus in most African countries. Kenya sells fresh flowers to Holland. South Africa and Botswana ship their diamonds to Antwerp. Ghana and the Ivory Coast sell their cocoa to Switzerland. Enough is enough,” said Dr Mosala.

“Take the lead. All these advanced countries were once in our position. How did they get to where they are today? Simple, the population stopped philosophising and got its hands dirty. Now we want to join them in philosophising but on empty stomachs. Of course they are glad to give us part of their bread. Unfortunately it usually comes with conditions, conditions that further cripple us. In Dambisa Moyo’s book Dead aid, she cites clearly how this help we receive in the form of aid is crippling us. Imagine a picture where another person gives you money but on condition that you use it all in his shop. As an example, vast amounts of donated clothes destroyed the entire West African textile industry. To change all this, it will need a strong will and leadership. It’s time we make unpopular decisions,” he concluded.

Prof Okharedia, the SBL’s Academic Director rephrased the quote by former US President, John F Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” to “Now that you have joined league of SBL alumni, ask not what the SBL can do for you, but rather what you can do for the SBL.”

In her congratulatory address, the chairperson of the SBL board, Mrs Xinyamisi Shemane-Diseko, said: “I raise a glass to you all for working so hard during the last three years, persevering in the midst of assignment deadlines, persevering in the midst of demanding jobs, persevering in the midst of uncooperative group members, persevering in the midst of ill-health. We commend you and say; yes you’ve reached this summit. Therefore like true leaders, savour the moment and prepare for your next summit, which could be your DBL, an entrepreneurial venture or wherever you are, simply rising to the leadership challenge of our socio-economic needs. Go and change the world.”