Good Business Basics: Government spends more on sideshows than on main event

Approaching 30 years into the new dispensation in this country, I am still struck every day by the lack of substance in the operations of the government.

It reminds me of television advertisements that were run by American hamburger chain Wendy’s in the 1980s with the catchphrase ‘Where’s the beef?’, questioning the size of their burger patties of their competitors.

It was later used during the American Presidential elections in 1984, when the Democratic nominee Walter Mondale used it to criticise the lack of substance in the policies of his Republican rival Gary Hart.

I have previously written of my admiration for the protocol and marketing staff attached to every Provincial and National department, and their respective MECs and ministers, whose main task is to ensure that every event hosted by them runs like clockwork, and is commensurate with the seniority of the political office bearers.

Their attention to detail for items such as the colour and quality of the décor, the catering (note the VIP catering and holding areas) and their like is staggering. They scurry around, cellphones and tablets in hand, ensuring that their principal enters in the appropriate manner, is seated at the right spot at a podium or table whose décor is just so.

The recent visit by the Premier to the district to address service delivery issues by the municipality was, for me a prime illustration of this. What was slated to be a community and stakeholder engagement was hosted in an elaborately decorated Sport and Leisure Centre.

I remember thinking to myself as I gazed at the gold cutlery, elaborate centre pieces, and wine glasses, what value does this really add to the core reason for the event? That the facility that they are opening/handing over stood complete, vacant, and unused for one year after it was complete because the political principal could not find space in his or her diary earlier means nothing.

There are many completed projects throughout the country, awaiting the availability of the President, Premier, or MEC to be handed over to the community. Of course the budgets are always found to award a juicy security contract to guard the facility in the meantime.

Then of course there is the launch of some provincial project or programme, which must be accompanied by suitable branded paraphernalia, such as T-shirts, bags, flash drives and the like. I must admit to being the beneficiary of some of this largesse, much of which I continue to use! Lets not forget that this will all be repeated when the bridge, road, or hall is complete and ready for handover.

The point I am making is that substance would mean that when you access the website to download the application forms for the programme launch you just attended, the site would be fully operational.

Substance would mean that the roll-out and execution of the programme is fully developed and staffed, and that telephone calls and e-mails are promptly answered.

Substance would mean that the badly needed clinic or community hall would be promptly handed over on completion, fully operational and staffed. Too much time, energy and money is spent by government on sideshows, when the focus needs to be the main event.

The citizens need to start questioning ‘Where’s the beef?’

Vijay Naidoo is the CEO of the Port Shepstone Business Forum. He writes in his personal capacity. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

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