'1985', My '1976': Fiction, Facts and the Future

Youth Day, as it is popularly known, is a day in which South Africans honour the youth that was ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. On that day, several youths were inured and many lost their lives.

1985, in line with 1976,  signalled the beginning of the end of apartheid and governance in South Africa. Following an upsurge of violent and non-violent resistance to the racially -exclusive system of apartheid, the government then, declared a partial state of emergency on 20 July 1985.

Recently we (my wife and I) found ourselves having a general chat about Youth Day with our kids. We told our kids that we were too young to talk about what happened  1976 as we were toddlers then. We told them about our experiences during 1985 on the Cape Flats. We told them of family, friends and community activists that were innocently injured and killed.

We told them of the dispersing of large student crowds, of the dodging teargas canisters, covering our faces with masks (like we doing now within the existing Covid-19 pandemic), putting sliced tomatoes and onions slices on our faces to sooth the burning sensation from the teargas.

 In the midst of the conversation, I made mentioned of the of word, 'Casper'. My 11 year old daughter listening attentively, suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and asked the following: 'Daddy, how does Casper, the friendly ghost, feature in Youth Day?' I responded: 'My baby, this particular  'Casper' was a ghost but not a friendly one. It was a ghost of the past. It was a military vehicle used by the apartheid police during the 1985 State of Emergency'

Moving from 1985 to the present: the Youth of the day is facing a myriad of challenges, covering amongst others: poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender base violence and the list goes on. On 9 April 2020, our SA President, his excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster with respect to Covid-19 lockdown.  The said challenges have been amplified by the existing Covid-19 pandemic we are currently experiencing.

The Youth then (yesteryear) fought the battle for political freedom. The fight this round is a one of economic freedom and technology freedom (as covered in a previous blog post).
Recently on LinkedIn, I saw a post of a vacancy for an electrical engineer. For the said 1 position, some 500 people applied for it. From a recent futures trends webinar, it was indicated that in the next few years most of the jobs will be self-employed in nature. I also saw a LinkedIn post recently of a qualified chemical engineer that could not find a job. She up-skilled herself by learning Java and Python script. The list goes on.

Going into solutions-mode, I  propose some ideas to consider:

1. Start a Strengths Revolution. Most people do not know their strengths. If one ask the question, most likely their answers will cover amongst others: their titles, positions, qualifications, experience, etc. Within each one of us, we have natural intrinsic  talents. In some corners, the term, 'naturals' come to mind. Examples that comes to mind are the late Mr. Hamilton Naki (heart transplant assistant then for the late Professor Christiaan Barnard) and Dr. Riad Moosa (local stand-up comedian with a qualified medical qualification)
2. Move beyond the Youth Age Definition. Start a Entrepreneurial Revolution before, during and beyond the Youth Age Definition, bottom up.
3. In conjunction with above to items, start a ESTEEM Revolution  from all levels and all platforms and 360 Degrees (Start, Support, Promote, etc.):
• E = Entrepreneurship
• S = Science
• T = Technology
• E = Engineering
• E = Entrepreneurship
• M = Mathematics
4. Start a Whole Brain Revolution. Embrace Fiction (Imagination, Creativity, etc.) and Facts (Rationale, Reason, Logic, etc.)
5. Everybody should consider developing a Personal Strategic Plan. In the corporate world, it is called an IDP (Individual Development Plan) and in the professional domain, it is called CPD (Continuous Professional Development)

Several weeks ago, I read  a book called 'Reclaim your Heart' by Yasmin Mogahed. Some where the writer makes reference that if one reflects back in your life where one went through a bad patch, there are some things good that take place but went unnoticed.  Perhaps not directly, but I reflected on Mogahed's writings and 'thought back' retrospectively to the year of 1985.

Drawing from my knowledge and experience as a professional engineer and manager, I identified two items that were good. The one was a fictitious movie called: 'Back to the Future' (1985) by Steven Spielberg and  the other was a book called: 'Innovation & Entrepreneurship' (1985) by Peter Drucker.

As a kid then, 'Back to the Future' just blew me away with all its far fetched technologies and gadgets in the movie  I watched in 1985. Interestingly enough, that time it was all imagination (and make- believe) but now 35 years later about 10  of these science-fiction items then are now a reality and readily available.

When I did my post graduate studies at UP, I was introduced to the management thinker and writer, Peter F Drucker (known as the Father of Modern Management or in some circles, known as the Guru of the Gurus). Drucker wrote some 3 dozen management books. Of all the books Drucker, just before he passed away in an interview he made mentioned that from all the books he wrote, 6 of them stand out from the rest. 'Innovation & Entrepreneurship' was one of them.

'Innovation & Entrepreneurship' (1985) by Peter F Drucker is a real gem. It covers the topics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in a systematic fashion.  The book makes reference to 7 Sources of Opportunities.  The book is still relevant today as it was then in 1985. Drucker is all about the Long Term, Innovate Today and Results.

Before I conclude this post I like to share two stories about 2 very special people respectively. Both happen to be medical doctors.

The first story is in the form of the youngest neuron surgeon (or one of the youngest) in South Africa. She is 34 year old, a black female doctor, with the name Dr Nomsa Shezi.  Listening to an interview on Newz Room Afrika, Dr Nomsa Shezi gave some advice to the youth of the day. I made my own summary of the interview:

• With change, there needs to be some form of Pain (in my words: no pain no gain?)
• There must be some form of Sacrifice (in my words: work harder? work smarter? work harder and smarter?)
• Have a Vision of your future (in my words: have a personal strategy plan?)
• Maintain / stick to your own Identity (in my words: find what are your unique intrinsic strengths/ talents/ natural 'flow')
• Fight (in my own words: Focus and don't take your eye off the ball)

The second story is about well known Cape Town community doctor that sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning because of Covid-19. Dr Fuad Jakoet was a  family doctor and served communities in most areas in Cape Town. Today Cape Town pays tribute to a giant figure with a golden heart who served the poorest of the poor. He was always concern about the everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Dr Fuad Jakoet and his brother, Dr Yusuf Jakoet, studied at UCT. They were the first (part of the first group) of non white students that were allowed to study Medicine at UCT. Quoting an actual WhatsApp I received earlier today about Dr. Fuad Jakoet: 'During his student days at UCT he was an inspiration to many during those dark days with outstanding academic results. He was awarded a number of class medals for outstanding academic excellence. He gave us hope during those years. A true community doctor'

The brains behind the historical launch of the Falcon 9, takes form of a South African born, Mr Elon Musk. I don't know what subjects Musk did at school, I am almost sure that Maths and Science were part of his studies.

'To Predict the Future, you have to Create it' Peter F Drucker

I dedicate this post in memory of all the Youth (that has died  whilst fighting for our freedom that we enjoy today) and the late fallen giant, Dr Fuad Jakoet

Let's make a Difference by Unlocking Untapped Potential

 

 

                                

 

An edited extract from a local South African school song refers:

‘As an acorn to an oak tree

……………………. has proudly grown

Firm its roots and broad its branches,

……………………, it stands alone’

A small acorn growing into a massive oak tree is a beautiful metaphor for the human potential that lies within all of us as individuals.

 Recently I found myself busy writing a document after a problem was discussed with me. As I was typing, I listed many broad headings, ideas and questions. They covered amongst others: What? When? Where? Who? Why? How? Politics? ; Environment? ; Social?; Technology? ; Socio-techno system, etc.  A] Whilst typing the document I realised that we need a few iterations and an evolving broad functional (stretching horizontally and vertically across boundaries) team to really develop a really ‘good’ &/ robust problem statement.

 

Most of us, by nature, intrinsically go into solutions-mode whilst the problem statement process is still in progress. Trying to strike a balance between developing a good problem statement and satisfying my solutions-mode, I came up with the following diagram:

 

I concluded the document by saying that whilst I am still getting to grips with the system variables, I envisaged a broad approach with a group of technology and non-technology solutions.

Upon completing this document, an ‘AHA’ moment presented itself to me. I thought to myself that perhaps I can ‘export’ this crude thinking framework into my next blog post. Why not? This is what happened next: I rushed to my book shelf and was looking for two references (books) that could easily: (i) map some National Development Plan (NDP) ‘system variables’/ describing the NDP landscape and (ii) map some NDP ‘system variables with some ‘solutions-mode’ flavour.

I landed with two books that are still on my ‘To-Do Reading  List’:  ‘How long will South Africa Survive – The Looming Crisis’ by RW Johnson and  ‘An Umbrella for the Rainbow Nation – Possible futures for the Republic of South Africa towards 2055’ by Prof. Chris Adendorff and Des Collier.

For Johnson’s book, I went to the index and searched for ‘NDP’ (National Development Plan). The plan was to share the ‘NDP’ extracts from this particular book. I will seek the publisher or copyright holder’s permission to do so in the near future. For Prof Adendorff and Des Collier’s book, I developed a mind map outlining the main/ key sections covered in this particular book. Similar to Johnson’s book, I will seek the necessary permission to share the mind map I developed based on Adendorff and Colliers’ book.

Going back to my ISSF (Integrated Solutions Systems Framework) Model  and reflecting on proposing  a different angle to add to the NDP dialogue,  it struck me that 80-90% of the solutions we are seeking are within us (and not outside).  The solutions we are seeking come in the form of hidden talents and/ untapped human potential. My personal view is that we are so engrossed in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Debate that we ignore the Natural Intelligence (NI) that is up for grabs with a significantly higher return of investment (ROI). I think the main ‘Technology’ Solution within the NDP is leveraging natural talents & strengths (from the bottom up and from within)

With my blog name: ‘Uberizing South Africa’s National Development’, and reflecting on above, I propose a 3 Step Simple Plan: (1): Start a ‘Unlock Potential/ Strengths’ Drive; (2): Develop something like a NDP Space Map (like a Google Street Map) that All South African citizens can identify with (perhaps with their smart phones). The said individual will zoom into a unique space and make their intrinsic talented contribution ‘friction free’ (whatever it may be). (3) Partner, Synergise and Collaborate

[An example that comes to mind, my son (on high school) offers tutoring ‘free-of –charge’ Maths & Science for his class mates at his school on a weekly basis. In the digital age, this session can easily be leveraged for more to benefit. I am sure there are more examples]

Until next time, let me conclude with a quote from one of my role models:

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela

 

 

 

                                         

Technology Freedom

Earlier this week I delivered talk at the IEEE UCT Student Chapter  with the theme: 'Young Engineer in the field'. The audience comprised of a Multidisciplinary Engineering, multi-year (Undergrad, Masters, PhD) group.

The talk concluded into a  vibrant  interactive discussion during the Q&A part. Some of the many questions raised, covered amongst others, are:

• 'What is your take on Elon Musk's Hyperloop for South Africa?'
• 'Why do most of our engineers land up in Maintenance and Operations? Why so little/& fragmented R&D clusters?'
• 'Why must we continuously 'import' technologies outside of South Africa?'

Upon reflecting upon on some of the key questions, my mind subsequently raced to a concept I came across during my post graduate studies called : 'Technology Colony'.

The 1999 article: 'Emerging from the Technology Colony: A View from the South'' (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/39b7/9b1411104f674a8c22e0afdc55514494ecc2.pdf) by de Wet refers.

The Conclusion of the article reads: 'Being a technology colony is neither something to be ashamed of, nor necessarily a disaster.  Remaining one, should not be a fate to be suffered, but an opportunity to be managed.  Non-technical managers are poorly qualified to understand the strategic alternatives that need to be considered when either national or corporate management has to decide on the way forward. Therefore those skilled in the management of technology should play their part in creating the best possible growth trajectories for their economies. That this is not a simple task, should no longer be a matter of dispute.  What may be open for alternate views, are the ways and means by which the colonial mindset in so many role players in the technology colony, could be shifted towards an understanding of the extent to which they have been conditioned to see the world in a certain way, and a confidence that they may become much more of masters of their own destiny.'

Some 2 decades have passed since this 'Technology Colony' article has been penned. Based on my recent engagement with some our future engineers, I  can not help to say that it seems that we are still one the 'Technology Colony' page. Needless to say, there is a need for us, as a collective nation, to move to the 'Technology Freedom' page.

In contributing to commemorating our Freedom Day in South Africa (27 April), I would like to conclude with 2 quotations from one of my heroes, Tata Madiba, our late President Nelson Mandela, who said:

'A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special'

'It seem impossible until it is done'

['Side' Comment: This particular post, 'Technology Freedom', were edited a few times.

When I ran the display outcomes and / previews, I noticed that on some platforms, some of the edits were not successful.

For clarity, in one version of the post two pictures might be included. In another version only one pic may be included.

One of the pics (if they are included in the post you reading now) is a  Grade 9 Technology Project (a Civil Structure Model) build by my son and 3 of his class mates. Through their creativity, concerted effort and team work, they scored 100% for the project. If you don't have this pic, please ignore  this paragraph.

The other picture is a photo a I took in Chris Barnard Hospital in Cape Town CBD (near the entrance to the Waterfront). It reads : 'It seem impossible until it is done' ]

Out by almost 2 Decades...

My first post refers. I made reference that it was my understanding then that the NDP was crafted around 1994. In actual fact, the NDP was launched on 15 August 2012. I was out by almost 2 decades!

The National Planning Commission (NPC) was appointed in May 2010 to draft a Vision and a National Development Plan (NDP).

Many thanks again to one of the blog readers who pointed this out to me recently. Until next time: Bye for now...

Capturing the Moment & Celebrating the Win(s)

There is an inspirational quote that goes something like: ‘Don’t wait for the perfect moment, make the moment perfect’

Last night while flying home to Cape Town from Johannesburg, I was browsing through one of our local news papers, 'The Star'. My eye caught sight of the 'NDP' Logo on one of the papers.

The piece covered the topic/ subject on the 'The Sheltered Employment Scheme'. Refer to image below for detail. I realized that I just stumbled across a Success Story on our NDP adventure/ journey and I wanted to share it with you....

Getting into the Starting Blocks

Here is the government's website : www.gov.za/issues/national-development-plan-2030 with all the relevant detail. Amongst the key elements, it contains the main NDP document, the Executive Summary and related Speeches.

I must still zoom into these documents. Whilst I am still busy aligning my reading schedule, calibrating my microscopes and telescopes, the following question(s)/ & thought(s)start surfacing:

• It is 2018. There are 12 years left before 2030 arrives ( just over a decade left)

• What Progress has been made to date since the initial ‘baseline’ starting date?

• How does the Score Card look? What was measured? How was it measured? Did we measure the ‘right’ stuff? How did we measure the ‘moving’ targets? What benchmarks did we use? BRICS’s? Ghana’s? Nigeria’s? Finland’s?

• It is my assumption that the NDP has been in ‘operation’ for some 20 years. With about 10 years are left, my math / project management toolbox tells me that in theory, we should have progressed by 67% approximately. My gut feels tells me that we have not even reached the 50% mark yet. What is our % of completion?

• What are the Success Stories? What are the Areas of Improvement? Where are the pockets of Excellence? How can we make the pockets of Excellence ‘fluid’ ? How can we make it easily be exported to other areas of improvement? How can we do things differently?

Let me conclude this post with my personal motto : ‘Nothing is Absolute! There is Always a Better Way to Do things’

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend and have a Happy Easter weekend. Until my next blog post, Enjoy .

Introducing my 1st Blog: "Uberizing' South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP)

My First BLOG: ‘Uberizing’ the National Development Plan (NDP)

Written by: M.Noer Rylands Pr.Eng (a Non-Political Scientist)

Date: 21 March 2018 (Human Rights Day, South Africa)

NDP Executive Summary in my In-Tray

Why this Blog?

·         I personally want to learn and study the National Development Plan (NDP).  There is a saying that goes like: ‘if you really want to learn something, you have to teach it’. Hence, one of the reasons to start this blog [entitled: “ ‘Uberizing’ the National Development Plan (NDP) ”] is to learn about the NDP by teaching and/ discussing it with my audience virtually.

·         To my knowledge, the complete NDP document is rather comprehensive and it is a thick document. The Executive Summary is about 67 pages. The plan is to use Drawings, Figures, Diagrams and Metaphors to make some sense of the NDP.

·         The NDP is a very important document in taking South Africa (S.A.) into the future. It is my understanding that the NDP was developed/ crafted around 1994 and had a time span until 2030 (a period that spans over 3 decades)

·         Given the importance of this document, I could only guess that some of the country’s best brains &/ intellectuals gave inputs & developed the relevant plan(s) that now form part of the NDP. Many thanks to those who made this document a reality.

·         Based on the size of the complete NDP document and skimming through the various topics covered in the said document, one can guess that many hours of planning, discussing, debating, deliberating, etc. went into the NDP document. There must have been many meetings, presentations, conferences, etc. until the NDP came into existence.

·         The Freedom Charter, the Constitution of South Africa (S.A), the NDP with the other Legislation guide SA’s Free, Democratic, Non-Racial Modus Operandi now and in the future. In my view, from a ‘business perspective’: The Freedom Charter can be seen as the country’s Vision? The Constitution of South Africa can be seen as the Mission and/ Values of the country? The NDP can be seen as the country’s Strategy Management Framework? I would like to get comments on this bullet, as I might be off the mark here.

·         As a natural writer, for many months I have been contemplating to develop my 1^st Blog.  I was always thinking: ‘What do I write about?’; ‘How can I be a benefit to the masses?’; ‘How can I unleash the writer inside of me?’ ‘What am I excited about?’ ‘What can I do easily and have a passion for?’ ‘How can I leverage my talents to make South Africa a better place now and in the future?’

·          I am a natural planner/ & initiator for projects and strategic development and execution. Being equip with both a technical degree and a management degree and having some 20 years work experience as both a professional engineer and manager, I thought whatever topic I will be blogging about, must have the elements of both ‘Nuts & Bolts’ stories (Bottom Up) as well ‘Helicopter view’ stories (Top Down). Eventually I came up with: ‘How can I make a dent in the NDP?’

·         Amongst the other ideas, to start this particular blog, is to create awareness of the NDP to a broader wider audience. The idea is to start many dialogues ranging among others: those who are not aware of the existence of the NDP; those who have limited knowledge/ understanding of the NDP but want to learn more; those who have a good understanding and knowledge of the NDP but do not know how to contribute to the NDP (from the own spaces) and those who are currently busy with existing NDP projects/ programmes that are seeking alternative ways/ means to redefine their plans in terms of regrouping and the execution thereof.

·         Needless to say, the purpose of this particular blog is not to ‘recreate the wheel’. It is the author’s view that this envisaged Blog will be Complement &/ Supplement to existing NDP forums/ platforms.

·         I set a personal milestone to have my 1^st Blog up and running by/ before 1 November 2018.  As I writing this bullet, I thought to myself: ‘Why wait?’ One of my former bosses used to say: ‘Don’t let perfection stand in the way of progress!’ Being Human Rights Day today and gathering up my courage, I am launching my 1^st Blog today, Wed 21 March 2018, titled: “ ‘Uberizing’ the National Development Plan (NDP) ”. I am looking forward to our virtual conversations.