With 2024 now behind us, I’ve taken the chance to reflect on some of the most impactful conversations I’ve had on FixSA.

These interviews, which cover profound insights on ethical leadership and effective governance, as well as exploring the entrepreneurial spirit in Johannesburg, highlighted the challenges and opportunities currently influencing South Africa.

In an episode titled “Lighting a fire under people’s bums is what’s needed in SA,” which aired in March, Dr. Miriam Altman, an economist and strategist from South Africa, highlighted the critical need to invest in human capabilities for the nation’s progress. Reflecting on her tenure with Telkom, she emphasized the importance of effective leadership and stable management in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like Eskom and Transnet. Altman advocated for cultures centered on performance and competitive procurement to enhance efficiency.

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You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

In another interview titled “SA needs no-nonsense leadership,” released in August, former Harmony Gold CEO Bernard Swanepoel discussed the necessity for proactive strategies in addressing South Africa’s challenges. He underscored the importance of competitive procurement in the energy sector, particularly within Eskom, to drive efficiency and innovation. Swanepoel called for a mindset shift where each division operates as a profit center to improve accountability and performance.

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You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Earlier, in an interview titled “An ethical vision for South Africa’s future,” published in January 2024, Deon Rossouw, CEO of the Ethics Institute of South Africa, addressed the vital role of ethics in building a safe, fair, and prosperous society. He argued that ethical behavior, characterized by respect for others’ interests and dignity, is essential for societal harmony and advancement.

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You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Major General Roy Andersen, former CEO of the JSE, posed the question “Is good old-fashioned discipline what SA really needs?” In the September podcast, he reflected on how military discipline influenced his corporate leadership style. Andersen stressed the significance of strategic goal-setting, efficient time management, and maintaining ethical standards as crucial for achieving organizational success. He proposed that instilling discipline at various societal levels could help tackle some of South Africa’s systemic issues.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Journalist and social impact entrepreneur Nickolaus Bauer examined Johannesburg’s role as a mirror to South Africa’s broader journey in the interview titled “Johannesburg’s hustle revival” in August.

He highlighted the city’s entrepreneurial energy and resilience, suggesting that Johannesburg’s revival could signal a hopeful change for the nation. The discussion focused on the city’s capability to lead innovation and economic growth.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

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