SA an instant society: Baleni

"South Africa has reached a proverbial crossroads," he told The Joburg Indaba on mining in Sandton, Johannesburg.

 

"We are looking at short-term things. Things must happen now. We've become populist, playing to the media."

 

Baleni referred to protesters who destroyed property or stopped their children from going to school because they wanted a road.

 

He said people had become gullible and there was an abundance of greed.

 

"We just accept abnormality. There is no respect for the rule of law."

 

Baleni said there was a collapse in management systems and weak leadership.

 

"Literally we have seen weak management, management with no steel balls. This is not only in management but in trade unions [as well]. There is an inability to stand for something which is right because you want to be popular," he said.

 

Baleni said leaders appeared to be unaware of their actions.

 

He asked how sustainable organised labour's tactics were.

 

"It must look beyond itself and be the voice of the voiceless. It's in our best interest to have a sustainable industry, because we need members."

 

He called for a new framework for dialogue.

 

 

(File photo: Gallo Images)