GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS - What will George look like in 100 years time? If it is to be a city with a sound economy and healthy ecology then intelligent, ethical leadership and a society whose citizens take responsibility for sustainable living are necessary - now.

This was the message of Naren Bhojaram, president of Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) in his presidential address last week in George. He spoke at the Southern Cape branch of Cesa at a cocktail function at Down to Earth Restaurant.

In his presentation, titled 'Sustainability is everyone's business', Bhojaram named five points that are paramount in promoting a sustainable society in South Africa: proper education, economic and political certainty, jobs, eradication of corruption and responsible development. "Cesa is bringing awareness to these issues because we are concerned about the sustainability of our profession and our country."

He said having math teachers who have never done math in their life and paying suspended employees their full salary for two years while they are sitting at home are not sustainable practices.

Neither is incarcerating a juvenile for two years "for stealing a toaster worth R80" - while it costs up to R73 000 per year to keep one person in prison - or draining acid water into our rivers and underground water ways. People riding in their own cars because they do not want to pool or make use of public transport are also irresponsible.

Referring to unemployment, he said wishy washy goals for job creation are not enough to enable South African citizens to experience economic sustainability. "We cannot say we are free if we do not have economic freedom."

Economic and political certainty is also key to create an environment that fosters investment and sustainability. "You cannot sit on the fence. Firm political decisions are necessary and ideological ideas should be communicated clearly."

He said it is President Zuma's responsibility to create a platform and judiciary system that enable and encourage citizens to live in a clean and transparent way. "He and his government should lead by example."

Do we need it?
Cesa members were encouraged to promote sustainability through making their voices heard regarding responsible development. "We need to stand up and say: "Do we need another convention centre or airport?" As consultants you must be bold enough to say it to your clients, even if it means that you are advising against a possible contract for yourself."

Addressing the public at large, he said: "Sustainability is our problem collectively and we have to deal with it now. The air, ground and ocean are being messed up. Only 0,13 per cent of the volume of the earth is water and of that only 3 per cent is fresh. When you are taking your 15 to 30 minute shower, you are using some of that 3 per cent."

Bhojaram mentioned that Cesa is working actively on a number of issues for sustainability in their industry, including eradicating corruption through lobbying to change procurement systems for government projects, enhancing education and training in their own sector, promoting green infrastructure and responsible development as well as being catalysts to get projects going so that jobs can be created.

Bhojaram concluded by drawing a strong correlation between leadership and sustainability. "All things are possible with the right leadership in government and the private sector in place."

He said that leaders should not be selected only for their IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional intelligence) and PhQ (physical quotient or physical health).

Another factor, namely the 'ethical balance quotient' (EbQ), should be incorporated into the equation when assessing a potential leader's suitability.


Naren Bhojaram (fourth from the right) president of Cesa and Cesa Client Liaison Officer, Godfrey Ramalisa (to his left) with committee members of the Southern Cape branch. From the left are: Attie Bedeker, Marius Roberts, Charles Rowe, Morné Olivier, Jan Brink and Francois van Eck (chairman). Photos: Alida de Beer