Chambers Executive Director Les Holbrook shares his views on Soccer 2010 and the Annual Budget Speech

Soccer 2010

Last month I wrote in positive anticipation of Buffalo City succeeding in attracting a foreign country to our shores for the soccer spectacular. The term is a “Host City.”

I based this on a number of facts including the dinner held in honour of the Cameroon soccer officials.

Thankfully my article stopped short of saying, as I did in 2004, when the world cup was allocated to South Africa, “we have done it!”

Without hesitation, questions can and should be asked, just as Chamber is doing. However, perhaps some introspection ought to be given, before the big stick is taken out the second draw. (remember the school days of being sent to the headmaster?)

Buffalo City started their lobby a long time ago – almost eighteen months. They engaged a foreign lobbyist to assist and to spearhead the process. A strategy was approved by Council and work began. A full-time, senior official was employed and resources as well as a budget was allocated. For all intents and purposes, the City started well and at least indicated good intent.

Without doubt, there are questions and issues the average ‘man on the street’ does not know, and that politics play an increasing role in everything we do. For example, was the offer by Buffalo City good enough, or were we simply  trumped by a bigger purse? However, we have to come to the single burning question, “what went wrong!” Were our facilities good enough? What did they see in their second choice that we did not have?

The reason this issue is raised relates to where and how do we as a City / Region go forward. One disappointment after another at times leads to a flagging of spirits and festers negative perceptions.

My view is we have to go back to basics.

Having said that we also must begin to recognise our ability to rise to challenges – and how we respond to set-backs. I am of the view that we cannot and must not accept ‘good enough’ and simply ask, ‘what can I (we) do to change things?’

Chamber has and will continue to engage with the leadership of the City and we will continue to be fearless in our approach. It is our contention that greater engagement by the private sector must take place and we as business must accept a role of collaboration, co-operation and support. After all, we all live in the same place.

Budget Speech

Assuming the role that was once held by a person that needed no introduction could not be easy. Pravin Gordhan filled the vacancy left by Trevor Manual whom we all acknowledge did such an outstanding job. What would have ordinarily been a difficult task therefore could not have been made any easier by having to chart a way round the recession. I wonder if Trevor knew this and decided it’s a good time to go? (just kidding)

Without unpacking and repacking the budget, the single biggest challenge for Government can and must be giving effect to the many new plans and programs. We would like to see more outcome from the huge Public Works programme here in our region. It is also necessary to remind Government that promises are just that . . promises. A greater lever of accountability and delivery must be the next “slogan in vogue,” because if we all live, eat and sleep this, the real Government pledge of a better life for all can be realised. The two are however are NOT mutually exclusive and they have to go together. Failing to deliver a promise is a failure!!

Just a reminder to watch out for the events coming up, we look forward to meeting you and colleagues at one or all of the upcoming activities.

Kind regards

Les Holbrook