PCB Blog - South African Institute of International Affairs
South African Institute of International Affairs |
| 2011/11/24 |
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Melanie Veness: PCB CEO We are most fortunate to have a branch of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in Pietermaritzburg, the only one, to my knowledge, in KwaZulu-Natal. The Institute was founded in Cape Town in 1934 and since 1960 it has been located on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, with which it has strong links. SAIIA is an independent, not-for profit, non-government organisation whose purpose is to encourage awareness of the importance of international affairs. SAIIA is widely recognized as the pre-eminent think-tank on Africa and on global issues affecting Africa, and their mission is “to provide cutting-edge analysis and promote balanced dialogue on issues crucial to Africa’s advancement and its engagement in a dynamic global context”. This is achieved by making constructive policy input, building leadership and research excellence in Africa and by stimulating informed public debate. I must say that it is the stimulating informed public debate that appeals to me most. Because, to my mind, it is rigorous debate, and the challenging of preconceptions that will get us thinking alike and working together. For the most part, people agree on the goals and differ on the how to get there. SAIIA is certainly an underutilized resource in KwaZulu-Natal, and I would encourage those interested in joining the organization to do so. At our SAIIA breakfast this week, we had the privilege of hearing an address by SAIIA’s Deputy Chairperson, Moeletsi Mbeki. The presentation was fascinating, and during his talk, Moeletsi made the point that business needs to start engaging more politically. What I took to heart most, was the fact that we have to advocate strongly for the change that we want to see. There is no point in sitting on the sideline and moaning about what is happening and taking offence when politicians tread on what we feel to be dangerous ground. We need to listen to what is being said and then engage as meaningfully as possible in order to offer alternative views and positions. We also need to start with an open mind, we need to be prepared to listen and we truly need to be prepared to be convinced. We are always free to disagree after we have listened (with an open mind) and we are also free to offer alternative positions. In short, we cannot do business in Africa without understanding the environment that we operate in, and we cannot expect the change we want to see, if we don’t advocate for it.
So, we need to engage. We need to be prepared to be convinced and we need to prepare ourselves to convince. |
| Tags: SAIIA(1) International(1) Affairs(1) Africa(4) Mbeki(3) |
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