SA Ranked as One of Highly Productive Countries

A National Productivity Institute (NPI) report shows that South Africa is ranked 11th on productivity levels in the world.  The 10 leading countries are the US, Germany, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, Italy, Spain and Taiwan.

Economically speaking, South Africa is in the same league with the developing countries.  Recently, the rand has improved against the dollar while productivity levels have also improved over the past two years.  Although some economists argued that the improvement of the rand might have negative spin off, the improved productivity levels may entice potential foreign investors.

Ndumiso Matlala, the NPI head of research, says South Africa's ranking would have been better if the statistics had captured the large number of people involved in less formal businesses.  Matlala says the increased productivity levels are possible when individuals and organisations work together.  He says the concept productivity goes beyond the ratio of input and output.  He has listed training of human resources and the protective usage of resources as the focal centre of a productive society.

Matlala says people centred and driven productivity is a key to the future.  He has urged individuals and business organisations to combine their efforts to further improve the country's economy and standard of living.