JUNE/JULY 2019
PROFICIO NFB FINANCIAL UPDATE FROM THE CEO’s DESK
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s I write this, the elections have just concluded, and I paused to consider the remarkable place it is we live in. Thankfully, South Africans remain focused on a future almost wrestled from us by a corrupt and desperate minority, hellbent on the theft of the dream made possible by democracy, and the sacrifice of others. While many journalists earn a lot of money to opine on such matters, I am never short of amazed at how negative a bunch they can be. It seems the adage that “no news is good news” has an equal and opposite iteration - which is no good news ever sold a newspaper! At this juncture, it appears as if our President has a mandate and the intention of following through on his proposed fix, and won't be bullied by the baddies! It is also true that we, as South Africans, need to develop a common identity. This can easily be rubbished as impossible - but taking a small step back into my own home and the various folk who make up the 'Republic of Mike', we realise the bonds, the interdependence, the care and all of the dynamics which already exist. We had a long-serving domestic helper pass away recently. The impact of this news on our boys, who shared their entire young lives under her care and coaching, was devastating. Her culture, colour and home language were irrelevant in the candid and painful reaction I witnessed. The loss was that of a close family member. I like to believe that many of our subscribers have similar tales to share. Building relationships like these take years; changing this as a nation is a whole different game. This
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will take remarkable leadership, constructive media and a nation less encouraged or inclined to blame! Winners are typically owners. If the winners are a team, they don't blame. They simply can't. Typically, they are brave, take calculated risks and celebrate as progress is achieved. Looking for the good in anyone or anything is a habit, and can be cultivated if the willingness is there. Living and prospering as a person, family, business or nation is not to be taken lightly! We are confronted by issues, politics, economics, both here and more and more overseas. This, in a globe which has shrunk and borders that have become less relevant. The time has come for the Ayoba nation to arise. South Africa simply can't, if the next few months deliver more 'subtle resignations', instances of legal and fiscal action being seriously taken against our politicians, bureaucrats, business acolytes, cigarette smugglers and scoundrels at large, while they can still afford to relax and celebrate the fix. We need to act as one, changing some rather hardwired habits and perceptions. Think no further than about my anecdote above. We are so used to being disappointed, capitulation is an almost therapeutic option. They say attitude breeds altitude, so - let's start flying. Being a decent person costs nothing. If you need help, ask. If you recognise someone misbehaving, legally, morally or otherwise, call it out. Otherwise, we are doomed to pass from one crisis to another, surviving by the slightest margin, gradually slipping down a slope from which there is no comeback.
The time has come for the Ayoba nation to arise.
One often hears radically negative opinions from ex-South Africans who opted to leave. Those who remain fear the worst but hold hope for the best. This is not an action. More needs doing. I have recently written an article, soon to be published by our marketing team via all of our online channels, and it suggests something quite radical; I suggest this type of thinking is what will change our world. Both for us making S.A.Inc. the paradise and remarkable kaleidoscopic wonder it is, proving the very audible (and recently spot-on cynics) wrong, and critically giving hope and potential, as well as resources, to the millions of previously marginalised folks. Giving people self-respect, belief and opportunity will come at a price. This is not the responsibility of government alone. With a little luck, we have SARS doing good by their clients, courts getting teeth and both criminals and those considering this previously lucrative alternative, realising that actions create consequences. We also have a job to do. I don't want my children having to recommend to their children and grandkids to “Go and build a life somewhere safe”. This is it! We are the stewards. It is incumbent on us as the voters, citizens, business people and families, to support good and make bad more difficult for the minority. What our grandchildren of the kaleidoscope inherit is currently in our hands. Let us make them proud!
Mike Estment CFP® BA / Chief Executive Officer NFB Private Wealth Management JHB