Leading the way through sustainable supply chain development

What I am doing is not for me but for the African child. I was once an African child.

As a business leader when you think South African your market is just under 60 million people. However when you think African your market is just under 1 billion people.

We are constantly told to think outside the box. The big question is…who gave you that box that is being used as a reference point?

You have to be able to logistically move whatever you produce timeously, otherwise there is no need to produce it.

Any country in Africa that through the governing party believes they can economically go it alone is leading its people down the wrong path.

You know and understand your problem. You are the only one that can solve it.

Without a common understanding of supply chain management and its implications, the entire continent will continue to struggle to economically emancipate itself.

The mere fact that I may not live to see my dream does not mean I should abandon my dreams for the African child.

Trusting one another is one of the keys to long-term socio-economic freedom.

Supply chain management thinking and the continent’s long-term industralisation are inextricably linked.

As a consumer, do not just buy; rather strategically procure to support local and regional value-adding supply chains.

Mindset change is the greatest challenge facing Africa’s economic emancipation drive.

Economic empowerment is about trust and value-add and not colour-add.

Buying behaviours and industrialisation are inextricably linked.

There is no such thing as free money or aid.

Accepting hard truths and realities can change individual attitudes and society as a whole.

Understanding your supply chain gives you the competitive edge.

For Africa to truly industrialise the definition of local must shift from national to regional and continental boundaries.

Long-term socio-economic transformation starts with you.

Supply chain management is simply about having a win-win shared vision in a value chain.

Economic empowerment is about long-term wealth creation and not about short-term materialistic entitlement.

I am who I am today because of what someone sacrificed for me.

Do your homework to appreciate what you have before going into negotiations.

Beware of the ides of aid.

Cheapest price does not always equate to the best value for money for business and/or society

Having self-respect, knowledge and purpose helps in navigating the complex journey of life.

Human beings by nature are risk averse and will not take chances with people they do not know and trust.

To build wealth that transcends generations you need to think beyond yourself.

Accepting hard truths and realities can change individual attitudes and society as a whole.

There is a supply chain associated with every product or service. You just need to have a strategy and plan to develop and manage it.

In addition to exporting raw materials and human capital, Africa is increasingly exporting hard currency to support the continent’s insatiable desire for goods made outside of the continent.

Throwing money at poverty related issues may yield short-term benefits but may make matters worse.

The long-term success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is dependent on the region embracing supply chain management thinking.

Limited understanding of supply chain management is a reason for the de-industralisation of the continent.

I can only be happy when I see the youth and children around me also happy.

Do not bargain with your supply chain resources for short-term price gains. Rather negotiate with these assets for long-term wealth creation benefits.

De-industrialisation is mainly caused by consuming what you do not produce.

Some people use money to make a difference. Others use knowledge and experience to effect long-term positive change.

What you chose to buy based on price has an impact on a country’s long-term industrial development.

An economically powerful Africa is possible through strategic industrial sourcing and changing consumer buying behaviours.

Made in Ghana or South Africa or Kenya still creates artificial boundaries. We must rather promote Made in Africa.

The Africa Beyond Aid agenda starts with you.

Our ancestors selflessly strived to build a better future for us. Therefore we are duty bound to at least try to better what was started for the next generation.

The journey of life is not necessarily about how you started. Rather it is how you finished.

Africa as individual nations is economically insignificant. Africa as one economic block is already an economic giant.

I may not have money to give you but I certainly have knowledge and experience to help you change your attitude towards long-term wealth creation.

As a continent we have to have a common supply chain and industralisation plan. Otherwise our so-called developmental partners will determine it for us but to benefit them.

Africans may be surrounded by poverty but the continent is certainly not poor.

Do not always blame the government for your woes. Sometimes also critically look at yourself in the mirror and ask what role you have played in creating the woes.

By just sitting back and hoping for change you are denying your own self and the African child a better socio-economic future.

Our destiny is in our own hands.

Negotiating and bargaining are two different concepts.

Long-term economic growth, company, industry and national competitiveness are achieved through supply chain management thinking.

Supply chain management decisions made today have a direct impact on you, your organisation, local industries and the future of the African child.