The resignation of Nombasa Tsengwa as CEO of Exxaro has brought to the fore the importance of governance and board oversight in public and private entities. The delay in action and oversight of various boards in these entities is a worrying trend.
We have seen numerous cases of governance failures and poor board oversight in recent years. The Steinhoff scandal is a stark reminder of the consequences.
Similarly, the Eskom crisis is a classic example of governance failure and poor board oversight.
Boards must prioritise diversity and inclusion. A diverse board brings different perspectives and experiences, which can help to identify and mitigate risks.
They must ensure that they have the necessary skills and expertise in areas such as finance, risk management and strategy, and they must prioritise transparency and accountability.
Finally, boards must prioritise stakeholder engagement. This includes engaging with shareholders, employees, customers and others to understand their needs and concerns.
As entities and their boards navigate the complexities of the business environment, they must prioritise governance and oversight. By doing so, they can ensure sustainability and create value for all stakeholders.
— Pikolomzi Qaba, e-mail
How about a land grab from the king?
Following the signing of the Expropriation Act, I am eagerly waiting for the king of the Zulus, in his capacity as sole trustee of the Ingwavuma Trust, to take the proper decision and allow expropriation of 2.8-million hectares of KwaZulu-Natal land to the Zulu people who currently are “tenants” on that land.
Something tells me my wait will continue indefinitely, and that the land will never be “volunteered” for individual ownership by Zulus.
— H. Hopkins, Onrus
Turn the US aid freeze to our benefit
The US government’s decision to pause funding for HIV programmes has sent shock waves throughout the global health community, particularly in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries.
South Africa has been severely affected by the HIV/Aids epidemic, resulting in unprecedented human suffering and economic loss.
However, since the late 1990s and early 2000s, South Africa has made notable progress in reducing new HIV infections and Aids-related deaths. New HIV infections have dropped from about 1,463 a day in 2000 to roughly 370 a day currently; about 6-million people are on anti-HIV medication, making it the largest HIV treatment programme globally; about 50,000 HIV-related deaths were reported in 2023, down from 360,000 in 2001; and life expectancy improved from about 47 in the early 2000s to about 63 currently.
Despite this progress, the country still faces challenges in achieving the 95-95-95 targets set by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/Aids to end HIV as a public health problem by 2030 — aiming to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
South Africa stands at 96%-79%-91%. We still face significant challenges, including high levels of new HIV infections, which disproportionately affect women between the ages of 15 and 24. Furthermore, more than 20% of people living with HIV are not on antiretroviral treatment.
Therefore, the US funding pause could not have come at a worse time. The South African government provides 77% of the funding and does not rely solely on the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) for critical funding and technical assistance, but Pepfar’s support (17%) has been instrumental in saving lives and changing the trajectory of the epidemic.
The pause in funding will disrupt the provision of essential services provided by NGOs in health districts with the highest HIV burden.
African governments are facing significant health budget shortfalls, and it’s imperative they find long-term solutions to mitigate these vulnerabilities. They must prioritise health-care spending, explore alternative funding sources, ensure there are adequate human resources and strengthen their health-care systems to reduce dependence on external aid.
The US funding pause is a devastating blow [but] presents an opportunity for African countries to strive to be self-sufficient.
— Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo, chair and president: Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, via e-mail
Spot on regarding intellectuals
I always read with great interest Makhudu Sefara’s writings, especially political ones. He always hits the nail on the head. I’ve been struggling to understand the rationale in Julius Malema’s actions against Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, but I’m not surprised; as Sefara says, all the best brains in this country are outside political tents.
I can mention a lot of intellectuals who have been sidelined because of vicious bullying in political parties, Mcebisi Jonas is one example. Continue with your informative writing, bhut Makhudu.
— SP Ngidi, Durban
Our gay children deserve our love
I recently attended a wedding where two lovely ladies married each other. After exchanging their vows, they invited family members and a few friends for lunch. I was one of those guests.
As we were sitting around the table exchanging pleasantries, the paternal uncle to one of those two love birds, indicated that when he received an invitation to attend her wedding he was taken aback. He was not used to people of the same sex getting married to each other.
He then did research and accepted the invitation. The uncle took a commendable step by educating himself on the subject to avoid taking an irrational decision, which could have hurt his beloved niece. He displayed open-mindedness.
Parents and other family members of gay and lesbian children must take a leaf out of the uncle’s book. The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu preached that gays and lesbians are also children of God. Let us embrace the fact that gays and lesbians are different from us where romantic feelings are concerned. Let us learn to embrace difference because if we fail to do so we will move backwards. Let us love and protect our gay and lesbian children. They simply love each other. Let them be.
— Baldwin Mathopa, Ga-Rankuwa
Sanitary pads and the neoliberal curse
As a young African, I am driven by a trifecta of passions: menstrual justice, pan-African solidarity, and the dismantling of neoliberalism in African politics.
Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the debilitating impact of period poverty on my community, Mamelodi. Menstruators in Africa are forced to choose between their education and their dignity, as menstrual products became a luxury few could afford.
Through my work with Mosetsana Pads, I have seen the transformative power of accessible menstrual health, as individuals reclaim their agency, their voices, and their futures. Menstrual justice is merely one thread in the intricate tapestry of our continent’s struggles.
The shackles of neoliberalism have stifled Africa’s growth, forcing our nations to conform to the whims of global markets, rather than forging our own paths. The result is a crippling dependence on foreign aid, the erosion of our cultural heritage, and the exploitation of our natural resources. It is time for us to assert our sovereignty and to forge a new economic paradigm.
Pan-Africanism represents the essence of our collective liberation. It is a call to arms, a reminder that our struggles, though unique, are inseparably linked. Together, we will rise, we will resist, and we will reclaim our continent.
— Neo Mohlabeng, innovation & talent manager for the Africa region of the Commonwealth Youth Council
For opinion and analysis consideration, e-mail Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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