EDITORIAL COMMENT
Making the possible , possible
“ Bureaucracy is the art of making the possible impossible .” This is a quote that has been attributed to someone by the name of Javier Pascual Salcedo , who also has the distinction of apparently having zero information about himself available on that great store of human knowledge , the Internet . ( Go ahead , see if you can find anything on this enigma . We ’ d love to know what you find . There may even be a part-time job as a researcher at Capital in it for you .) Whether he actually exists or not , “ Javier ’ s ” sentiment will nevertheless ring true with anyone who has ever tried to get a big project off the ground . What was once an exciting fledgling of a plan soon gets mired in red tape and bureaucratic bumbledom that threatens its ability to ever take flight . More than a few optimistic dreamers have wished they never started a project once they ran up against bureaucrats , and often it takes superhuman willpower and vigilance to see a project through to completion . Of course , no city is immune to the sometimes suffocating embrace of bureaucracy , and Pietermaritzburg is no different . Fortunately , however , this city has many optimists and dreamers , as witnessed by the ongoing development in the city . And the city also has the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business ( PCB ), which often helps massage big ideas through the constipated corridors of power .
Such an example of the PCB ’ s helping hand can be seen in our main story that begins on page 14 , which shows how the PCB and government , working together , have helped loose an explosion of growth in the local private healthcare industry . No less than six private hospitals have either been built or expanded as a result of the shackles of officialdom being removed . Indications are that there is more to come too , as this region of the province becomes a “ centre of excellence ”.
Another important function of the PCB is to keep the business community informed , and to this end we have run a story in this edition on another big infrastructure development , whose significant potential benefits should be realised by all . The planned development of a technology hub at Pietermaritzburg Airport is a potential game changer for this region that cannot be overstated , and is something that the local business community should put their full weight behind . Read more about this , starting on page 24 . To stick with an idea and see it through to completion is an admirable quality that is essential in business , and few exemplify this like Veroshen Naidoo of EWaste Africa . This Pietermaritzburg businessman has jumped through myriad bureaucratic hoops to create Africa ’ s first hazardous waste recycling service for mercury-bearing light bulbs . By his own admission the journey has not been easy , but has already netted the company multiple awards . Read how this Pietermaritzburg business is helping save the world ’ s future generations from a scary pollution problem , on page 32 . Solving problems and staying the course is the theme of our story on local businessman Hans Coertse , whose Zen-like focus saw him winning the Cannonball Run motorcycle race in the United States a few years ago . To see what makes winners in sport and business , read his story on page 38 . Meanwhile , local phenomenon Zulu-lulu shows us how , when circumstances threaten your business , thinking a little differently can give you a whole new lease on life . See page 42 . There ’ s lots in store for you in this issue of Capital , right up till the very last page , where we have some gems for you . Check out the digital version for more at www . networthy . co . za or follow the link from www . pcb . org . za .
Barry du Plessis Editor
Capital | Issue 2 | 7 .