We have all seen the nation of South Africa united in the fun of the Fifa Soccer World Cup. It has been good for the spirit of the country. And now, basking in the aftermath with high praise from all quarters as the best World Cup ever staged; Cape Town by popular vote being named the fun capital of the world; and the world awakening to a completely different perception of who we are as a people – fun, efficiency and pride run through our veins.

For the government, the past month’s showpiece must seem like the old Roman Empire’s maxim to rule by “bread and circuses” (it certainly felt like a Roman holiday – one special day that rolled into another, then another, without end).

But this key focus gave the country a massive boost in infrastructure, with roads, rail (particularly the Gautrain) and airports as well as services brought in line with international standards – which will serve us all well into the future.

The fun of participating and the rock solid sense of satisfaction in achieving are now in the national psyche. Every workplace, every enterprise, every government department can build on the wave of goodwill that we ourselves have created. What is required, is clear vision: a big picture of the tasks ahead, firm budgets, firm deadlines and buy-in from all the players on every new project.

Fun does not only occur in Long Street and fan parks. It is an everyday occurrence at every level of endeavour.Alongside the desk plaque that reads: “The buck stops here”, every person in a leadership position should place another one that reads: “Be firm. Be Fair. Be Fun.”
ROYSTON LAMOND
Publisher