Amidst the nationwide resonance of Women's Monthcelebrations, a significant milestone quietly graces this transformative month - the Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF). Launched in August 2013 in the heart of Johannesburg, the PPF was born from a deep-seated concern: the underutilization of South Africa's vast intellectual potential. Ten years on, this visionary initiative stands resilient, having evolved into a formidable force propelling policy reform, catalyzing transformation, and playing a pivotal role in vital legislative drafting, notably the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI).

From its inception, the PPF perceived a pivotal gap in the harnessing of intellectual capital. The middle class, bearing untapped capacities, found itself falling short in contributing fully to nation-building and the holistic development of its people. It was within this context that the PPF took shape, embracing the fundamental belief that the fertile ground for effective policy development and problem-solving lies in the cultivation of diverse opinions within an inclusive framework.

Foremost among our remarkable achievements is its central role in advocacy and steering governmental policies, especially with regards to the pivotal realm of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE). At the heart of the PPF's endeavors lies the unyielding pursuit of transformation, as it continues its unrelenting journey to dismantle barriers that have impeded equitable economic growth. While the BBBEE is facing serious opposition in many fronts in a way we have not seen before, we should continue fostering constructive dialogues among stakeholders, advocating tirelessly for an economically inclusive landscape that caters to the welfare of all South Africans.

It was indeed a moment of reassurance when President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized the PPF's contribution, appointing a diverse and representative group to his Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council which included a member of the PPF. This BBBEE Advisory Council serves to guide the government on intensifying the transformation of the economy. Pivotal to the PPF's agenda is the advancement of black economic empowerment, intricately woven into the broader fabric of comprehensive transformation and growth of the South African economy.

It is no coincidence that our anniversary coincides with the restructuring and reconstituting of SOE’s. In 2019, the PPF established an SOE review panel to research international models and a proposed way forward was presented to Government officials and elected leaders. Our position has consistently been for co-ownership of noncore SOEs by entities and shareholders experienced in the respective sectors, and for a dedicated and separate law to govern SOEs.

Considering our struggling economy and the fallout from having to bail out SOEs, we view the co-ownership model as a solution. We would have more reason to celebrate if the SOE Act, along with the establishment of the SOE Holding Company which was successfully implemented in countries such as Singapore was coming to fruition  a lot sooner after the announcements.

In the realm of healthcare, we have displayed substantial influence through our instrumental contributions to the drafting of the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI). Our active engagement with the National Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Health, presenting our perspectives on the NHI was a learning journey demonstrating the beauty of our democracy which allows open and transparent law making. 

In 2019, the PPF hosted seven NHI workshops across five provinces, engaging with over 600 healthcare professionals, academics, and workers, primarily from the private healthcare sector. The PPF's formal submissions and presentations to the Portfolio Committee on Health not only garnered favorable receptions but also notably shifted the tone of subsequent submissions by organizations previously opposed to the NHI.

One of the thorny issue the PPF has been concerned about is the emergency of protection rackets and construction mafias. A clarion call from the PPF highlighted the detrimental impacts of these entities on businesses and the wider economy. In a notable opinion piece published on September 29, 2022, in Business Day ("Construction Mafias and Protection Rackets Threaten to Stifle the Economy"), the PPF illuminated the threat posed by construction mafias and protection rackets. The protection rackets have manifested themselves as one of the most substantial threats to South Africa's economic stability, viability, and infrastructure development. 

A recent report shows that the construction industry has suffered more losses than what the government has portrayed. SA Forum Civil Engineering Contractors estimates show that losses for 2018'/19 alone amounted to R63 billion. According to the police, 772 arrests have been made in their efforts to clamp down on extortion at economic and construction sites. The PPF wants to see conviction that will serve as a detriment for anyone belonging to these rackets. Arrest alone will not help the situation.

The prevailing challenges in South Africa go beyond responding to daily crises, venting in social media, issuing media statements, and hosting forums. It requires hard work by patriotic professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics to take action

South Africa and its citizens have a well developed and legislated public participation process and an independent judiciary  where anyone is given the space to shape and influence policies and legislation. We have witnessed several NGO’s use these tools to their advantage and to the advantage of their  constituencies which they represent . It is time that progressive forces do the same and not only embark on mass marches , protests and conferences to amplify their opinion .

The PPF has emerged as a transformative powerhouse, serving as a pivotal think tank and resource hub for the nation. With unwavering dedication, let us join forces to ensure that the public discourse in the country is balanced and progressive and promote the patriotism of its citizens.

As we commemorate Women's Month and the birth of the Progressive Professionals Forum, let us celebrate not only a decade of remarkable accomplishments but also a roadmap for collaborative transformation.

Written by By Kashif Wicomb. Wicomb is a member of the president’s B-BBEE Advisory Council and the president of the Progressive Professionals Forum, which comprises businesspeople who subscribe to the values of the Freedom Charter and constitution