Transformation in South Africa sucks and we’re sick of it – here’s why

Transformation: A word that should be synonymous with inclusivity, equal opportunity, and fairness, has become tainted and warped in South African. Transformation in South Africa sucks and we’re sick of it. Here’s why.

What’s wrong with transformation in SA?

There is a strong trend of using fear-mongering in order to scare entities into transformation compliance. Non-compliance leads to severe consequences (mostly drastic imprisonment and fines) for businesses, and consulting firms have for a long time been driving this narrative to scare entities into compliance. While it is true that there are severe risks to non-compliance, a positive narrative about transformation would serve to not only motivate MORE entities to comply, but also to do more when they comply. This is only possible if the transformation landscape puts a continuous spotlight on the real benefits to be gained from compliance, and the impact it makes on South Africans’ lives.

A sustained negative and fear-mongering narrative that drives entities to doing the minimum they can “get away with” for their compliance leads to a “wash rinse repeat” approach to their compliance. This diminishes transformation to a nuisance-activity for most entities, where in fact it can be a tool to do good, attract better talent, grow businesses, and shape new communities around these businesses.

To make matters worse, it’s often seen that organisations offering consulting services around compliance matters for transformation is structured in ways that consultants have often hundreds of clients to service, reducing the service to a minimum and encouraging the “wash rinse repeat” mindset even more in the industry. When this happens, do entities truly benefit from their compliance, do they truly obtain value from it?

If an entity does not achieve measurable business value from their compliance, there will be little to motivate them into continuing with the activity and establishing long-term, sustainable programmes or goals. This is completely understandable from their perspective.

The dream of transformation is lost – but not gone

And while this is going on, the dream of transformation is lost. All feelings of positivity and inclusivity, disappear. In the end, shouldn’t transformation rather be scrapped? No. Because in transformation lies the unlocking of potential for millions of South Africans. Fairness and equal opportunity waits only at the end of this journey. For South Africa, transformation must be transformed into a tool that uplifts, enriches, and spreads from one community to another.

Transforming transformation lies in your hands

If you feel like your transformation compliance can be more than “just” compliance, pursue that vision and create the opportunities that can change our country, your community, and your business.