In its 6 October issue, ITWeb's iWeek ran what was, in my view, a truly important story, one that might come to define an era in converged broadcasting. It was so compelling that I was moved to write a column devoted to a very unusual undertaking for a journalist, that of praising someone.
The article was about Altech's threat to bring legal proceedings against the Department of Communications, should it continue to drag its feet in finalising the digital terrestrial TV standard or back out of an earlier decision on the issue.
It's always good to see somebody take a stand, of course, but what was striking about this one was what a breath of fresh air it was. Taking a stand is something of a South African rarity in the oppressive current regime.
Not much joy
The business environment is not a happy place, given the growing intolerance of the government towards dissent, mounting corruption and ineffectiveness, threats to the autonomy of sectors, chaotic populist discourse about property ownership and a failure to quell an aggressive, unreasonable workforce. Business is thrashing about in a rudder-less ocean, finding itself in the position of fighting government for the right to contribute to growth and development, when it ought to enjoy its full backing for doing so.
Taking a stand is something of a South African rarity in the oppressive current regime.
Carel Alberts, contributor, ITWeb
In such a troubling environment, leadership is no longer a given, and nobody wants to stand out. And yet somebody has to take it upon himself. The iWeek article in question seemed to point to the emergence of such a leader.
Industry leadership is a mantle that Craig Venter, the CEO of Altech, seems to be wearing with ever-increasing authority and ease. Some years ago he successfully challenged government's expedient interpretation of the EC Act - that it warranted giving the incumbent telcos outrageous continued levels of protection. In the process he managed what few of us thought possible, single-handedly holding government to account when it failed citizens, the telecoms industry and the economy, costing all of us in terms of innovation and growth.
You're welcome
The matter has been amply documented, but I was never quite satisfied that Venter got the recognition he deserved for his catalytic intervention in the industry and country's fortunes. The ICT media has not fallen over itself to praise his initiative and courage, nor have I heard much thanks from anyone in industry for their ticket to the game, or from consumer circles for the effect - potential and actual - that this has had on prices and service quality. My guess is they thought that winning and being allowed to compete on a level footing with Telkom was reward enough, that Altech's motive had been selfish.
Now, of course, Venter has done it again, and again he stands to benefit. But have we considered or acknowledged the risks to him? Few in the industry will hazard a critical word against government. And yet, amazingly, government is not averse to a bit of creative tension; Trevor Manuel has invited business to push back a little harder more than once.
And so, when Venter declares it's time for business to stand up to slow and ineffective government, both for its own sake and that of the broader public, I believe him. He's not feigning purely altruistic motives, and his stance isn't cheap opportunism. He stands to lose favour in some very powerful circles. I conclude that doing the right thing must be important to him, and that the risk is calculated, since the truth has the proven ability to set us free.
I don't think I'm alone in my wish to thank and commend Craig Venter for his courage, leadership and intelligence - the country and industry have an extraordinary need of leadership from someone.
May his success endure and his example live on.
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