Origins
Many people often underestimate what an incredible feat it was for humanity to have ventured into outer space. I am no exception despite being an astronomy fanatic.
To date there have been over 560 visits to space by 41 nations and 12 visits to the moon, all by Americans (WSP, 2020). Our very own Mark Shuttleworth went to space as the world’s second space tourist aboard the Russian Soyuz TM-34 (BBC, 2002), his ticket costing a measly $20,000,000.
Space travel began as a competition between ideologies, Capitalism vs Communism, with the Soviet Union and The United States of America being the main protagonists.
The Soviet Union beat the Americans to space in 1961 but the Americans landed on the moon in 1969. This would prove to be but one episode in what would become the Cold War, but that is a history lesson for another day.
What began as a game of “who’s gun can make the loudest bang”, has resulted in many technological advancements that we enjoy today.
A few benefits of space exploration
- Satellite and Communication technology – long distance calling
- Navigation – Global Positioning System aka GPS technology
- Medical advancements – specialized neurosurgery equipment, ultrasound technology and the development of new vaccines for infectious diseases
- Military defence systems
- Climate change and natural disasters monitoring systems
- Job creation in the Science and Information Technology industry
These advancements used by governments were former weapons of prestige and power. Through collaboration converted into everyday technology for you and I to enjoy.
In 1980 the idea of an International Space Station was born and today many countries contribute to researching climate change and health, developing commercial products, maintenance of satellites and climate change to mention a few (Howell, 2018).
There is a lesson to be learned from the history of space travel.
The title of this blog post hints at the value of being the best, however it is quite the contrary. You see the space race, like any good story from a children’s book, ends with some form of a moral lesson. Quite simply, we innovate, produce quality and work better when we collaborate!
Back on Earth
As Mpowered celebrates 10 years of our flagship software BEEtoolkit there have been many lessons learned that have resulted in the wholistic solution that we offer to date.
There has been no greater lesson learned than that of combining our expertise with those of our peers in the B-BBEE world, to deliver an enterprise standard solution.
We take pride in being at the heart of an ecosystem that safeguards our client’s noble intentions of good corporate citizenship and compliance.
Our technology is further complimented by our alliance partners that include advisers, verification agencies, and service providers, forming what we believe is “One Solution for All”.
Rocket Science
A lot has been said about the severity of the recent pandemic and the dire effects that the economy and country will endure. It is not business as usual for corporate South Africa. It is the season to adapt and make smart business decisions that will keep the ship not only afloat but with a tailwind.
The “space race” began to brew on the back of World War II. A dark time when humanity needed stability and conservatism. Instead, humanity opted for imagination, inspiration and bravery. Pushing the limits of life as it was known vs the possibility of a brighter future to be gained by doing what had not been achieved in the history of mankind.
At this present time decision makers are facing daunting challenges dressed in bold letters like “SAVE COSTS” and “REDUCE RISK”, words being yelled with the best of intentions!!
While these issues may not be “Rocket Science”, in terms of the literal Oxford Dictionary definition, many companies are under pressure to meet targets that have calamitous consequences if not met.
The ramifications of B‑BBEE are, of course, far wider than company transformation. It aims to completely transform the economic reality of the entire country, envisaging business working hand-in-hand with the broader community (Nolan, 2018).
We have engaged many stakeholders in various industries and the challenges being faced are shared. We say fear not. Mpowered and our alliance partner network have practical solutions and decades of experience to assist our clients navigate the murky waters we face.
Our message is clear, we say let’s work together to find the solutions to the day to day compliance hurdles we face in business, we say it is time to collaborate!
Contact Mpowered today to have a conversation about the obstacles you are currently facing pertaining to B-BBEE processes and how remote working has affected your role and your business at large.