Impressions, I

South Africa seems to be a country in the midsts of an economic boom. Everywhere we travelled there were signs of growth, development and investment. We found that our we were not being deceived by the signs.  The South African economy is experiencing its longest and largest expansion since the Second World War.

This boom can be seen as a testament to scenario planning. Way back when the Apartheid regime was in full flight, Clem Sunter toured the country lecturing all who would listen on a series of possible scenario's for the future of South Africa. I feel that these scenario's were very influential in the future of South Africa that unfolded. Thus I have been keen to read "The Mind of a Fox : Scenario Planning in Action". But I have never been able to get my hands on what seemed to be a scarce and out of print book.

After landing in Johannesburg we had to sit in the local flight transit lounge waiting for our flight to Cape Town. I wondered into the small airport bookshop. And was delighted to find not one, but four copies of the book on the shelves. As I looked through the shelves it slowly dawned on me that most of the bookshop was given over to business topics. There were even books by the New Zealand author, Ian Brooks!

As we travelled the country I noticed that all of the book shops seemed to reflect this great interest in business.

I found this very curious, and questioned people on it often. Finally our friend Doug gave me a good reason for this. I will paraphrase his logic: If you are "white", and living in South Africa, you have had a very privileged past. In order to redress past sins, businesses and government are trying to hire people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Thus traditional avenues of employment are mostly closed to "white" people. Given that South Africa cannot afford a proper welfare net, this forces the role of entrepreneur onto this large group of educated people. Hence a high degree of interest in business books.

I do not know if my observation or Doug's reasoning is sound. If we are correct though South Africa has a very large, very well educated, and very well resourced entrepreneurial class. I am not surprised the economy is booming. Viva, long may it continue!

3:37:00 PM