Progressive Leader Magazine

As readers page through this issue, the sixth since the launch of our flagship publication, they will be struck by the range and number of Progressive Business Forum (PBF) activities covered in a single issue of Progressive Leader, reflecting as it does, the steady increase of PBF activities. By design, every issue covers the full spectrum of PBF activities like gala dinners, ministerial networking events, overseas trade delegations, visits of delegations from many countries to South Africa, etc.

This is done in the first instance to ensure that PBF participating businesses are kept fully informed about what their business platform of choice is doing for them, thereby encouraging them to get involved. But to present Progressive Leader as a powerful instrument of internal communication is certainly not the full story.

In the first issue of Progressive Leader in 2008, we emphasised two important elements of our coverage. Firstly, we would promote mutual support; urging PBF members to support other members of the PBF, and through the pages of the Progressive Leader we would connect them to one another. Secondly, as part of the PBF’s mandate as a supportive arm of the movement, Progressive Leader would showcase the leadership, policies and activities of the African National Congress, as ruling party in South Africa.

Looking at the previous issues, and judging by the many positive responses we have received, nationally and  internationally, we are satisfied that the goals we set at the outset are being achieved.

Since the last issue of Progressive Leader much has happened on the political and economic landscape of South Africa, and South Africans are excitedly awaiting the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup in June 2010.

The Progressive Business Forum has fully supported this sporting extravaganza as was evident from the coverage of the event in the previous issues of Progressive Leader. We continue this tradition by dedicating this entire issue to the FIFA World Cup, with a special focus on the infrastructure projects undertaken for the tournament. We believe the infrastructural legacy of the event will be making a lasting contribution to our economy.

In this, the third edition of Progressive Leader, we celebrate our beloved icon, Nelson Mandela. We bring tribute to a man, larger than life, and do so because he exudes the progressive leadership that we need in this country of ours. A clear sense of direction, commanding respect with humility and fairness, are the attributes of a progressive leader; where it is not about self, but of those we lead and serve.

As the ANC Government drives home the message that the focus of our nation must be on service delivery, and that at the forefront of our effort we must place the citizens of our nation ahead of ourselves, we take our readers back to 1994 and the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

The first issue of Progressive Leader, which appeared early in 2009, has been exceptionally well received and has exceeded all our (positive) expectations.

In fact, it has created pressure on us to publish it on a quarterly basis rather than our original plan to do it bi-annually and we are seriously considering all our options.

Meanwhile we can assure our highly valued readers and advertisers that there will be at least one further issue later in 2009.

We are proud to bring you the first edition of Progressive Leader, the magazine of the ANC Progressive Business Forum.
The PBF was formed to bring together South Africa’s business and political leaders. Together we can achieve so much more than on our own – the ethos of Ubuntu.

The focus of this magazine is to give our members insight into the political leaders of our country – the real people behind the headlines – and also to enable them to learn from other businesspeople who are succeeding in South Africa.