Unique public private partnership to shape public sector budgets and planning

A unique public private partnership will see Western Cape business stakeholders help shape public sector budgets and planning by compiling a massive database of their gripes, frustrations, and economic wishes.

The Western Cape Global Competitiveness Survey was launched earlier this month by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It aims to inform public policy with reference to the lived experience of business leaders themselves who often bear the brunt of misguided public policy.

The Western Cape provincial government has endorsed the survey and agreed to absorb the results into its strategic thinking – the first undertaking of this kind at such a large scale. “Survey responses will inform which initiatives should be investigated further, during the participatory processes driven by the private sector industry associations and supported by relevant public sector institutions,” the Chamber says in a statement on its survey homepage. “The best ideas, once thoroughly investigated and refined, will inform the next cycle of public sector strategy, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring.”

Chamber President Jacques Moolman said the survey was a unique opportunity for private-sector led growth. “We have a rare opportunity to make our voice heard in a way that doesn’t happen often. We strongly believe that we ourselves must come up with the solutions to our business environmental problems, which include challenges like the current power crisis.”

“Within our ranks we have the expertise and experience to defeat these challenges, and it’s a task too important to leave up to our public sector partners, many of whom have not had business experience themselves. That’s why we are urging all business stakeholders to complete the survey. Sometimes all it takes is one bright idea to shift an entire society – but without the right platform that idea might never come to light,” Moolman said.

The survey covers all the major pillars of the economy, including everything from institutions and infrastructure to innovation and the financial system. It asks respondents to list their challenges and their proposals for positive change. Survey information is anonymous and remains confidential, and is conducted by Impact Economix.

A central aim of the survey is to measure the regional economy’s global competitiveness against international benchmarks, using a well-known Global Competitiveness Index methodology. This allows for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of government’s ability to deliver on its many promises. Said Moolman: “We want to hold government to account in a way that goes beyond soapbox whinging. We actually want to score them and show them their report card, for better or for worse.”

Those wanting to complete the survey can find it here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/capechambersurveyenglish