Lead in the spirit of Ubuntu
Guest speaker, Zululand Observer MD - Reg Anthony accepts a token of appreciation from ZCBF CEO - Magugu Davis
ZCBF Projects Manager - Mduduzi Zulu and ZCBF Chairman - Alec Bozas present a special certificate of recognition to staunch ZCBF member and supporter - Nellenie Naidoo. Similar awards were given to Reg Anthony and Mandla Mbokazi
Dave Savides
DESPITE posting a significant deficit in the past financial year, the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation firmly believes it has implemented measures that will soon get them well into the black.
These include cost cutting, improving revenue streams and upgrading its facilities to make them more attractive for prospective tenants.
Speaking at the Foundation's AGM on Wednesday, Chairman Alec Bozas praised the ZCBF staff for the 'great turnaround' that had been achieved.
'The focus has been firmly on cash flow and all departments have done wonderfully in reducing expenditure and increasing revenue.
'Unfortunately, and through no blame on any part, the Foldaway House project did not materialise and we decided to cut our losses and take a substantial knock after a large capital outlay.
'But we are now trading in the black and the future looks good.'
Expo success
Once again, the Zululand Expo proved to be the major income earner, with Virna McMaster and her team heralded for their sterling efforts.
Despite adverse weather, the annual show drew a large attendance and provided spectacular entertainment.
'Media coverage of Expo was first class and the Zululand Observer must be singled out and thanked for being so supportive.
'The municipality, as always, has been fantastic in their support,' said Bozas, who has been re-elected as Chairman with Somdeb Banerjee again appointed Vice Chairman.
Summing up the role of the Board, Bozas said: 'If we are not here to serve the community, we should not be here.'
Problem area
Outgoing CEO, Magugu Davis said the dwindling use of ZCBF by industries, many of which now prefer to run their own Corporate Social Investment projects, had hurt the Foundation but steps are being taken to turn this around.
'Establishing and cementing international relationships has become a priority, especially as it relates to investment and the upgrading of skills,' said Davis.
She expressed thanks to the many partners who supported the ZCBF over the year, and especially to Tata Steel for seconding her to ZCBF at their cost.
'I speak to you tonight as someone who considers this building as being the epitomy of hallowed halls of compassion, vision, enthusiasm and achievement.
For me being a Foundation member encompasses a period of my life on which I will always look back with humble pride and privilege and the realisation of what compassion and leadership really mean.
Well I remember the origin of this Foundation as the Zululand Rural Foundation in 1984 during the devastating Demoina floods.
Led by Mike Dunn of RBCT a trust fund was established immediately to assist the flood victims and the local industries as always rallied to a man and set the wheels in motion for what ZCBF stands for today - or should stand for.
In 1994 the Rural Foundation became a registered section 21 company the ZCBF - to facilitate and support the initiatives of the RDP of the new government.
Mission
The mission: to respond to the initiatives of the greater community by facilitating networks, partnerships and joint ventures.
I remember well the joy when we heard how Louis van Zyl in the early nineties had cajoled Hillside to hand over their contractor facilities on the show grounds and establish a community park to serve as a multi-purpose resource centre - he was then seconded by BHP Billiton to drive the project for five years.
The Park was officially handed over on July 1 1996 and launched in March 1997 - it has since been a hub of human resource development - the increase in the value of the assets was R30-million!
Through the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff, ZCBF reaped numerous awards, both national and international.
During the latter part of 2002, the Board recognised that it needed to strategise to ensure long term sustainability of the organisation.
The environment around the organisation changed rapidly and funding became less available.
Through globalisation, corporate decisions were taken abroad and CSIR programmes were taken in-house again.
Partnerships
Partnerships needed to be established and alignment of the other organisations that are operating arms of the ZCB, was inevitable.
The governing bodies of the Zululand Chamber of Business (ZCB) agreed to restructure their organisations and to undergo an extensive process of consolidation in order to reduce operating costs.
The purpose was to establish one powerful organisation geared to address development needs in Zululand at all levels.
The alignment process essentially centres on instituting a more co-ordinated approach to development of business and communities in the region and the first combined AGM was held in 2004.
How well we know that the ZCB is a membership driven organisation which aims to foster an environment conducive to the development and growth of business. Like an evangelist we should proclaim and foster this ideal.
But while funding and strategies are vital for sustainability, the success of ZCBF will always depend on its people - who we are, and how we percieve life and see others.
The way we see people - by our very own perceptions - is the manner in which we relate to them.
Titles
We as South Africans have various titles ascribed to us - we are a rainbow nation, a sunshine nation, we are multi-cultural and have the best constitution in the world - and top of the pops is Ubuntu.
The promise of Ubuntu ('I am because you are') is defined by Reuel Khoza as a belief system where the collective supersedes the individual; it is both a philosophy of life and a world view.
It is characterised by such values as caring, reciprocity, sharing, compassion, hospitality, co-operation, tolerance and cohabitation.
In other words, we abide by the ethics of humanity.
As leaders, are we embracing and living the spirit of African humanism?
Do we channel our business acumen with integrity and humanity, ie capitalism with a human face serving, rather than commanding?
If those of us in leadership positions attained it through a desire for power and our own financial enrichment and do not display compassion and courage in our dealings with others we are less than worthless.
Leadership attributes like respect are earned and not acquired through selfish ambition where accountability and responsibility take second place to self enrichment and hatred as the driving force.
As a well respected political commentator put it: 'The main concern with the arrogance of power is that it attracts mediocre figures who, when given a little power and standing in a community, come to believe their own propaganda. They then ruthlessly depict anybody standing in their way as being part of the forces of darkness. In the end they have no guiding morality and are driven solely by the pursuit of self furtherance.'
Like so many others, our country and many of its people are involved in tension, conflict and violent struggle and yet - have we not seen the greatest of Ubuntu by the man who despite 27 years imprisonment set an example of leadership admired and respected by the world?
If our strategies for tomorrow are not based on the true principles of Ubuntu we will never attain our objectives of reducing non employment, eradicating the scourge of AIDS improving the quality of life for the less fortunate and we will destroy this magnificent country of ours which was given to us through the grace of God.'
