The event says that 2021's discussion topics are not only future-focused but critical for advancing public-private engagement on current issues. These include the skills crisis, unemployment and healthcare, which are problems that have advanced during the past 12 months of lockdown.

Four individuals will unpack the requisites and considerations for strengthening the economy during a global pandemic. The debate will be moderated by Bruce Whitfield and will comprise:
  • Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa
  • Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of Tourism Business Council South Africa
  • Zwelakhe Gila, head of trade and commerce at the African Energy Chamber, and
  • Professor Mills Soko, from international business and strategy at the Wits Business School. 
The event adds that there is a growing skills and unemployment crisis in South Africa. This is exacerbated by the rush towards a 4IR digital economy, where South Africans are not receiving the education needed to be competitive.

Seliki Tlhabane (chief director MST and curriculum enhancement at the Department of Basic Education) will join the following individuals in a discussion regarding this, moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala:
  • Riaz Moola, CEO of HyperionDev
  • Ann Bernstein, CEO of the Centre for Development and Enterprise South Africa
  • Vikela Rankin, founder of Value Ed and Elevate
  • Hope Lukoto, chief human resource officer at BCX, and
  • Professor Jonathan Jansen, professor in Education at Stellenbosch University.
The third and final panel discussion How we can better manage our healthcare resources in South Africa. The panel will be moderated in debate by Andile Khumalo and comprises:
  • Dr Memela Makiwane, chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes
  • Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of the South African Medical Association, and
  • Simon Hlungwani, president of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa.
The Directors Event is part of the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies profile. It aims to be where the business community come together to unpack major issues affecting the country's economy.

"The IoDSA is proud to continue its support of The Directors Event, which is now in its seventh year. Now more than ever, with the lingering effects of the pandemic, we need this large-scale dialogue to tackle critical matters affecting our corporations and our country. Through ethical and effective leadership, we can attempt to return to some semblance of growth and prosperity," says Parmi Natesan, CEO of IoDSA.

For more information, visit www.thedirectorsevent.co.za. You can also follow The Director's Event on Facebook or on Twitter.