It is important to recognize that lessons learnt in a particular place and time in history are not automatically transferrable to another part of the world. However, the growth of Africa mirrors to some degree that of Asia over the past 40 years. The development of the four main Asian Tigers – Hong Kong, Taiwan, […]
Africa’s growth path tracks that of the Asian Tigers Read More »
Ernst & Young Africa has just released a report that they wrote in response to the growing perception that South Africa is losing ground in Africa. This is my summary of a very interesting report.
South Africa is not falling behind the rest of Africa Read More »
Journalist Peter Fabricius recently wrote an article entitled “SA is experiencing the resource curse”. In it he poses the question, “Is South Africa’s natural mineral bounty becoming a resource curse?” The term “resource curse” refers to the paradox that countries with an abundance of natural resources, especially non-renewable resources like minerals and oil, often suffer
South Africa’s resource curse is nothing new Read More »
SAA’s decision to cancel its direct flights between London and Cape Town has refocused attention on the role of an airport in a city’s long-term economic planning. Given that competitive airlines such as BA and Emirates are seeing demand for this route increase enough to add flights to their schedules, there is no doubt that
Cape Town as a global transport hub, CTIA as a booming aerotropolis Read More »
This is a speech that I originally gave in October 2001, and which subsequently received quite a lot of attention from South Africans around the world who want to spread a more positive message about what we have going for us. In these uncertain times, many years later, it seems like it may still be
I pledge allegiance Read More »
The recent passing through Cape Town by the Queen Mary 2 makes this a good time to continue the debate about cruise liners, and in particular the need for a cruise line terminal, in Cape Town. I agree with MEC Alan Winde and Councillor Grant Pascoe that the decision by Home Affairs to disallow the
Cape Town needs a dedicated cruise liner terminal Read More »
We are fast approaching the end of the year and the “silly season” is about to come upon us. So this is probably a good time to broach the subject of something that has long bothered me about Cape Town business etiquette. My organisation organizes a number of business events, and in my role as
To be a global player, we must display globally accepted business etiquette Read More »
Cape Town has recently been shortlisted to become the next World Design Capital in 2014, possibly a sign that Cape Town is recognized globally as a world class business city. And in May a record number of business and government leaders from Africa and the world convened in Cape Town for the World Economic Forum
Cape Town as a Global African Basecamp Read More »
In this time of major global upheavals, there are two major power shifts taking place. The first is obvious; an economic, and consequent political, shift from the traditional developed powers of the “West” to the emerging economies of the “global South”. The second shift is happening with much less fanfare, but with as many global
Economic and political power is moving to cities Read More »
It is argued that in the 21st century it will not be China or America that rule the globe. It will be leading cities that grab the world’s attention and attract investment and knowledge, concentrating economic and political power in the hands of local leadership. More than 50% of the world’s population has already moved
Cape Town, it’s time for some bold, iconic architecture Read More »
