Written by: Helco Productions

UJ Press is pleased to announce their publication of The Inclusive Economy: Criteria, Principles and Ubuntu by Dr. Arno van Niekerk with a foreword by Philip Molefe

The official launch is taking place on Wednesday 5th October at Exclusive Books Rosebank at 18h00.

There is one serious missing link at the center of today’s capitalism. It is a disequilibrium between increased economic interdependence and increased isolation/exclusion. This unique challenge in the 21st century calls for a unique solution: Ubuntu. Africa might be the last place where experts would look for an economic solution, but it ironically holds the secret to restoring the right equilibrium in the economy. Ubuntu’s ability to reconnect the marginalised with the mainstream by putting emphasis on our humanness, connectedness, collective growth through expansion and improved efficiency, creates new capacity for the economy to rebalance itself towards genuine and sustainable progress.

Ubuntu encapsulates that which is the opposite of economic exclusion (i.e. inequality, poverty, unsustainable growth, limited profits, etc.), namely economic inclusion. However, only a small window of opportunity exists – in and after the COVID-19 pandemic – to implement Ubuntu as a fundamental economic principle in order for it to be an effective remedy. The global economy and most local economies have entered the phase of rebuilding with a serious drawback: after the previous global financial crisis, both the economy and government’s capacity to recover are severely limited as unemployment levels, debt levels and natural resource depletion levels keep soaring, resulting in dangerous levels of economic exclusion and social instability.

Economic inclusivity – as presented in this book – brings a fresh perspective on how the issue of the missing link can be addressed. New developments in the economy as well as rediscovering transcendent truths form part of shaping an inclusive economy that benefits everyone. Core aspects of such an inclusive economy are presented with sobering rigor and stirring vigor. Five criteria of an inclusive economy are identified that interlock in a direction-giving framework to help the economy transition from a state of stagnation to becoming a healthy, thriving economy.

The vital signs of the economy are carefully examined. Inclusivity (Ubuntu) is found to be the decisive factor for the transition, as shown in: inclusive growth; genuine economic progress; new redistribution; transformative collaboration; a circular economy; environmental responsibility; economic justice; and action steps through policy, business and civil society to grow a more sustainable economy. Something special is emerging – revealed by what is called Ubuntu Economics – which can provide answers through new economic thinking to a global economy in desperation and to local economies ready for renewal.

This book is about redirecting the economy, for the sake of human beings and the whole biosphere, towards overall well-being. This is the heartbeat of Ubuntu as it connects inclusivity with accountability. The book demonstrates clearly why change is needed and shows how to bring crucial solutions to a world economy now at a tipping point. We dare not ignore the urgency of the hour. We must make bold and relevant decisions if we are to secure a viable future. If we act now – and act wisely – we can achieve a profound turn-around and set the economy onto a new path of true progress for the 4IR. There is compelling evidence to show that the solution lies in an inclusive economy based on Ubuntu.

Author Detail
For the past 20 years Dr. Arno van Niekerk has been an economist and lecturer at the University of the Free State. He received his PhD in 2009 after critically evaluating global economic governance and globalisation. His specialist areas include: international trade, investment and the composition of an inclusive economy. He also does, on a consultation basis, economic analyses for investment companies and is involved in research projects that stretches into countries in Africa. Arno is passionate about contributing towards positive nation-building and finding new economic solutions at local level as well as national and international levels. He inspires people with hope, fresh perspective, and helps communities to implement transformation strategies. In summary:

  • In 2015 Arno wrote a book titled, GENOEG! Hoekom is ons hier?, and translated it to English in 2016: ENOUGH? What is the plan? Since then he has traveled to all corners of South Africa to speak on matters of common concern in communities;
  • it has led to invitations to speak at a wide range of events – from business breakfasts to speaking in Parliament in Cape Town;
  • in-between he has published 20 research articles in accredited academic journals; he presented conference papers at over 40 national and international conferences; and has, on an annual basis, been lecturing at a University in Salzburg (Austria) to masters’ students;
  • Arno has, through the years, received numerous academic awards at his university (UFS) for outstanding lecturing, research and community service learning (CSL) (for instance, he is known relates to the economy (this includes radio, TV and online media); and
  • in 2022 he published his new book, The Inclusive Economy: Criteria, Principles and Ubuntu, which is focused on new economic solutions for South Africa, Africa and the world.

Arno is married to Leani (lecturer at the Law faculty) and they have two sons, Stian en Juvan, who are both at Grey College in Bloemfontein. Given his sport background (played rugby for Shimlas and tennis at provincial level), he is very involved in his sons’ sport activities. He grew up in the Karoo on their family farm just outside Hopetown (where the first diamond in SA was found). Building relationships with a wide variety of people and networks, he has established himself as an influential voice as far as nation-building and community transformation is concerned.

Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Date published: 04/10/2022

DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.