Economic Freedom Fighters commander-in-chief Julius Malema.
Leaders must take into consideration the “silent stakeholders” — those future generations who will benefit or suffer as a result of strategic planning taking place now — warns the managing director of Talent Growth Partners, Dr Simo Lushaba.
Addressing the Limpopo Provincial Public Sector Corporate Governance and Ethical Workshop on the issues of risk, strategy and sustainability, Lushaba noted that a lack of sustainable government and long-term vision would result in future generations suffering.
Highlighting the relationship between strategy and risk, he said risk encompassed both the “bad things that could happen” and “good things not happening” and said it was crucial to manage both sides of risk. “Organisations may have lots of good strategic plans. But if they fail to deliver that value, it can do serious damage. Where risk overtakes strategy, you have no sustainability.”
Noting that change does not take place as continuous growth, but rather as stepped changes, Lushaba said the focus had to be on the long-term trajectory.
“Those playing oversight in public service must understand the long-term nature of the game,” he advised.
“But you can’t focus on long-term trajectory if you are thinking about filling your pockets today. Sustainability must be at the heart of whatever we do,” he said.