I’ve been pondering whether to post about this for a while now and I’ve delayed a decision, because it is most probably a very sticky situation, which I don’t really want to get involved with. But on the other hand, as a South African…

I’ve been pondering whether to post about this for a while now and I’ve delayed a decision, because it is most probably a very sticky situation, which I don’t really want to get involved with. But on the other hand, as a South African…

The irony is that many of these jokers were educated in the former Soviet Union and have political affiliations with socialist organisations. I think their ideology shifted to selfish capitalism when they stepped into office.

The irony is that many of these jokers were educated in the former Soviet Union and have political affiliations with socialist organisations. I think their ideology shifted to selfish capitalism when they stepped into office.

The SA govt used the Malaysian Convergence Bill as a starting point for the EC Act and I wonder if modelling something in SA after the Malaysian Technology Corridor might not work too. I remember at some point being told that moving a tech business there earned you the first ten years tax free, plus the immigration process was fast-tracked and the govt had agencies that helped you network in KL once you were there.

Of course SARS might not be that keen on this plan but its worth some thought and I’m pretty sure people in govt have already thought this through a few times already.

The SA govt used the Malaysian Convergence Bill as a starting point for the EC Act and I wonder if modelling something in SA after the Malaysian Technology Corridor might not work too. I remember at some point being told that moving a tech business there earned you the first ten years tax free, plus the immigration process was fast-tracked and the govt had agencies that helped you network in KL once you were there.

Of course SARS might not be that keen on this plan but its worth some thought and I'm pretty sure people in govt have already thought this through a few times already.

In due seriousness though we do need to get involved in the policy-making process or at least actively guiding the strategy for long term sustainability in SA. The government with its pack of parasitic parastatals is unlikely to shape reality in the form of those kind of reforms without pressure and a practical plan. It’s worth taking a look at Alec Erwin’s planned infrastructure policy for the next 3years. As a practical framework to begin discussions, particularly as regard the telecomms development which affects the growth of our sector in particular.

It’s altogether far too late at night to be thinking about getting into the thick mucky complexities of tax and the instantly inflammatory ZA banking sector and creating incentives for risk. But certainly glad we’re starting to have some worthwhile conversation.

In due seriousness though we do need to get involved in the policy-making process or at least actively guiding the strategy for long term sustainability in SA. The government with its pack of parasitic parastatals is unlikely to shape reality in the form of those kind of reforms without pressure and a practical plan. It's worth taking a look at Alec Erwin's planned infrastructure policy for the next 3years. As a practical framework to begin discussions, particularly as regard the telecomms development which affects the growth of our sector in particular.

It's altogether far too late at night to be thinking about getting into the thick mucky complexities of tax and the instantly inflammatory ZA banking sector and creating incentives for risk. But certainly glad we're starting to have some worthwhile conversation.

The broader debate about innovation needs to be looked into seriously. My feeling is that the government is not creating the right climate for innovation, from taxes to infrastructure costs and until that happens innovation will be sporadic rather than systematic in the country. What we need is tax breaks for small businesses, cheaper broadband, cheaper hardware, funding for globally competitive salaries and we need the crime rate to reach a level where people can live here and not feel worried all the time.

Thanks for the kind words Max.