The deputy president may not be as charismatic as Zuma, but he has the same leadership qualities as Mandela.
So said business strategist, author and non-executive director of Anglo America South Africa, Clem Sunter who had guests spellbound with his pearls of wisdom on how to survive these tumultuous economic times by being 'foxy'.
Speaking at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and South Cape Business Breakfast, held at Tramonto on Thursday, Sunter expounded on his business strategy.
'Foxy futurists' are, like the fox, constantly sizing up the environment to identify opportunities and risks that come from changes taking place around them.
Dressed in baggy pants and a knitted top, a greying Sunter made light of some of the serious economic issues, and had the audience chuckling when he wrinkled up his nose giving a snorting type of laugh.
Flux
Whilst the whole world is in flux at the moment, South Africa has slipped from the top premier league economies to the second division, and although this country is still well placed with all its mineral resources, there are "flags" (warning signs) that should be heeded.
Sunter repeated what all economists have been saying, namely that SA should not be exporting our raw material but be manufacturing our own final products.
Red flag
"With over 50% of our youth unemployed, we should respond with speedy action." Sunter added, "World leaders should take heed of the global flare-ups - the protest marches by people desperate to be employed and be part of their country's economy.
These spates of civil unrest, more recently seen in Spain and last year in London, are an expression of extreme disillusionment and dissatisfaction.
Here in South Africa, it is imperative to get rid of restrictive labour laws in order to create a climate for small entrepreneurs to thrive within."
Optimistic note
There are still many pockets of excellence in South Africa that should be recognised and celebrated, expounded Sunter. "Here in George there is the Forestry Faculty of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), where the levels of education and technology are being raised to the benefit of the country."
Sunter went on to say that the Southern Cape is a beautiful region of the country, where the opportunity of earning big tourism dollars should be maximised.
"South Africa is still a cheap destination. Strategic marketing is of the utmost importance.
Cape Town, for instance, must be doing something right. While I was on a 747 flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, I found out that this plane load of Chinese fellow travellers, were all destined for Simon's Town's penguin colony. This is a minuscule nature reserve, so the pulling power is therefore amazing.
But most of all, the marketing must be excellent.
"A swift system to deal with corruption is needed. A free press unhindered by punitive legislation is now more important than ever to fulfil a watchdog role. If we lose that, there will be anarchy.
We want to avoid being in the same position as Syria. Finally, a government that is out of touch with people will alienate its voters - this could have dire consequences," warned Sunter.
At the SAICA Southern Cape Business Breakfast held on Thursday, from left Jacques du Plessis of Mazars Auditors, Chris Krüger CEO Solluco, Betti Krüger and Ann-Marie Du Plessis of Solluco.
SA's renowned business strategist Clem Sunter entertained local business folk at a breakfast held at Tramonto. With him are Ingrid Cronjé Manager George Business Chamber and Syspro's Head of Customer Relations, Lorenzo Borelli.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
