Page 16 - IRMSA Risk Report 2023

4.2 REPORT LAYOUT
The Report is designed to be a valuable resource for policymakers, risk professionals, business
leaders and decision-makers seeking to understand the threats and opportunities in South Africa
and the South African market. The report provides insights and recommendations on how to respond
to threats and capitalise on opportunities in the years ahead.
At the same time, this report is also intended to be a call to action. The challenges and risks facing
South Africa are significant, but they are not insurmountable, provided action is taken soon.

By taking bold, decisive, and immediate action, the country can build a more resilient and prosperous
future for all its citizens.

For this reason, like in all previous years, the risk conversation hinges on the National Development
Plan 2030 (NDP) and the Government Priorities 2023. Staying true to the definition of risk being
the effect of uncertainty on objectives (ISO 31000:2018) the report aims to contribute to a more
informed and engaged public debate around the future of the country. It aims to plot out the steps
needed to build a more inclusive and sustainable society. It endeavours to help business leaders
in South Africa’s polycrisis context to robustly challenge quality of their decision-making, as they
consider their own strategies, risks, and resilience.

Above all, this report is about quality decision-making that can escalate into tangible action, fast. In
other words, now is the time to do the right things that will prevent a polycrisis from turning into a
Failed State or worse, a Mafia State.

The following NDP objectives (to be achieved by 2030) constitute the platform for this report’s risk
conversation:

• Uniting South Africans of all races and classes around a common programme to eliminate
poverty and reduce inequality.
• Encourage citizens to be active in their own development, in strengthening democracy, and in
holding their government accountable.
• Raising economic growth, promoting exports, and making the economy more labour absorbing.
• Focusing on key capabilities of both people and the country.
• Capabilities include skills, infrastructure, social security, strong institutions, and partnerships
both within the country and with key international partners.
• Building a capable and developmental state.
• Strong leadership throughout society that work together to solve our problems.

For 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023
and Government set the following priorities:

• Restoring energy security.
• Growing the economy and jobs.
• Building better lives.
• Fighting corruption.
• Making communities safer.
• Making government work.

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