CEO Today Global Awards

CEO Today Global Awards 2020 SOUTH AFRICA 35 www.ceotodaymagazine.com networks - which is required to revitalise the African economy. The lack thereof hampers growth, ” Narsai says. And there are also sure rewards for focusing on the big picture. He is of the view that companies that know how to succeed in connecting African communities and markets will undoubtedly prosper on the continent. “ Connecting communities was always one of our undeniable endeavours, built into the core of our companyvision.Onceyoustart connectingcommunities, the ‘triple bottom line’, targeting economic, social and environmental matters in delivering sustainable built environment solutions can bring about the change to ensure Africa’s rising economic prosperity ,” he says. VNA Consulting incorporates effective collaboration and skills sharing, both internally and externally with service suppliers and communities, as a critical means to enhance its infrastructure development services on the continent. The firm also focuses on engaging with stakeholders, not only to ensure the successful management of the environment around projects but to consider the interests of all participants in order to identify potential conflicts and challenges. “ One of the greatest challenges facing skills sharing is the public sector institutions’ acceptance to respect the knowledge that the private sector brings to the fold. There seems to be continued resistance to change which, if not accepted, can derail government programmes and hamper service delivery,” Narsai says. However, he says the sector is upbeat about the government’s moves to clamp down on corruption, which has been a “pandemic prevalent for more than a few decades”. “There is a renewed hope that comes with the introduction and adoption of the Standard for Infrastructure Delivery Management and the adoption of the Division of Revenue Act by Treasury to hold public sector institutions accountable, and which will, indeed, bring errant public servants and unscrupulous service providers to account with consequences, ” he says. “ Our firm’s value system displays and practices ethical leadership to promote a work environment, which upholds one’s reputation for integrity, ethical conduct and trust. The realisation is a daily commitment and there is zero tolerance for any breach. Simply put, don’t ‘sell your soul’ ,” he says. Narsai is invigorated by the prospects of the many new challenges that lie ahead. “ From the very first day I stepped onto the site, put on my hard hat, safety boots and became immersed in the project at hand, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. “I still get the same feeling each time I get involved in a new project. My continued involvement—albeit from a distance—in the various projects that we are working on keeps me fulfilled, motivated and driven each and every day. There is never a dull moment in my day at work, ” he concludes.