An often forgotten benefit of South Africa’s precious young democracy

MY ANNUAL VISIT to Davos is an excellent reminder of the responsibility that goes with this wonderful career I’m following. Many might dispute it, but journalists are people too. Often we get swayed for or against causes. But once objectivity departs, media professionals lose the ability to inform honestly and, therefore, appropriately. Emotion takes over from rationality.

Last night I enjoyed a fascinating off-the-record discourse on the subject with a senior Government Minister. We found ourselves admitting where we’d erred – me in being sucked into the excessive pessimism generated last year; him by being less than open on some indefensible practices caused by inefficiencies and plundering by tenderpreneurs. I got the feeling we’ll both be trying harder in future.

Lord knows, the country has made some serious mistakes. But this is also a nation of resilient beings. A nation which, for the most part, is prepared to re-assess, listen and learn as the two of us did last night. That’s one of the often forgotten benefits of democracy. And of gatherings on neutral ground in the cerebrally-stimulating atmosphere created by the World Economic Forum.

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