Читать книгу Broad-Based BEE - Jonathan Goldberg - Страница 26

Successful businesses, particularly family businesses, mostly grew from humble beginnings, and are today the champions of the world’s economies.

A strong economy in South Africa is particularly dependent on people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds becoming great entrepreneurs. The exorbitant, seemingly excessive, wealth that a few previously disadvantaged individuals have created overnight on the JSE Securities Exchange has unfortunately distorted the perceptions of the new generation of potential entrepreneurs. All successful businesses started out small and it takes long hours, hard work, commitment, sacrifice, passion, focus, dedication and sheer guts to make them successful.

Businesses have a good record in South Africa of being innovative and making progress in difficult circumstances. There is every reason to be confident that, through prudent broad-based BEE practices, this country can achieve the economic miracle. Entrepreneurs and the businesses they own and manage must be supported and given the freedom to be independent. In reality, entrepreneurs vote with their feet, locating their businesses and creating jobs in places that offer the greatest return, with the least hassle. Incentivise and encourage business and entrepreneurs with returns on investment and the local and national economy will grow significantly. On the other hand, using the stick is a sure way to kill entrepreneurial spirit and rein in growth potential.

The meaning of the original French root of “entrepreneur” – entreprendre – is “to undertake; to pursue opportunities; to fulfil needs and wants through innovation and starting business”. In no way should broad-based BEE stifle businesses’ entrepreneurial enthusiasm, drive, passion and risk-taking in pursuit of BEE.

In the words of Peter Drucker: “The entrepreneur knows the risk of not doing something is greater than the risk of doing something.” The increasing complexity of businesses requires that a variety of strategic practices, philosophies, guidelines, policies and structures be formalised and professionalised. In all likelihood there will come into being a new governance model that will impact on the extent of ownership influence over the business.