Now for some good news. PPGI shows Business and Govt CAN pull together

For centuries, it seems, South African culture has divided public and private sectors into "us" and "them". Partly for historic reasons, but also because of disrespect for the other side, mostly born from ignorance. It doesn't have to be that way, as countless examples from elsewhere in the world has proven. Among the best examples is Japan where close co-operation between companies and bureaucrats is regarded as the reason for the nation's ability to rebuild from the nuclear bomb ashes of the Second World War. Prodded on by Toyota Europe's boss - a South African - the country is starting to follow that example through the PPGI - the Public Private Growth Initiative, which brings role players in more that 20 sectors together. One of the drivers of the project, GIBS founder and former dean Nick Binedell, provides insights and an update on progress. - Alec Hogg