CEO’s Forecast

It is with great humility that I discharge the responsibilities of being a Group Chief Executive of such an ambitious organization, working with great people towards changing the course of history as we are accustomed to it. OPECS could not have existed in any other time in history, its growth trajectory is consistent with the challenges facing the very core of our development as global citizens. I can say without any fear of either contradicting myself or sounding arrogant, that OPECS indeed presents responsive and relevant solutions to pertinent challenges that threaten prosperity and sustainable decent livelihood.

OPECS Professional Services
Our value proposition in Professional Services is at the centre of an aggressive technological revolution, currently taking place globally with the African continent vowing not to be lagging behind. Organisations are investing heavily in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in pursuing the following strategic objectives;
➔ Staying relevant
➔ Penetrating new markets
➔ Driving efficiency
➔ Access to information

This heavy investment in ICT presents new challenges, as these innovations are now taking a trajectory where machines have capabilities of doing what humans would ordinarily do, evidently these machines in most instances are proving to be dependable, accurate and most of all worthwhile investments from an investors’ perspective. The narrative of centrality of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) phase creates anxiety in many people, this then leads to resistance in the adoption of these new technology innovations and consequently social tensions that inhibit optimisation of such investments.

Our narrative at OPECS Professional Services moves from the premise that we firmly believe machines cannot replace people,rather a complementary relationship that can lead to synergistic outcomes if the right approach is adopted towards the introduction of technology.
In the context of the 4IR and investing in AI technologies, often technology is not the problem, culture is. It is within this context that we adopt the approach that we do in driving Change Management. The focus should be more on people and their readiness to embrace technology and on emphasising objective realities of the 4IR and how best to optimise on the opportunities for the benefit of humankind. At the core of the 4IR is the need to find better ways of tackling the socio-economic challenges facing humanity, whilst creating a quality of life for all the citizens of the world.

OPECS Water:
One of the major challenges facing the core of our existence as a species is the reality of Global Warming. The characteristics of this reality are evident for all of us to see, it’s no longer a sophisticated debate amongst scientists and those who invested in research in this area. Rising temperatures beyond what we’re accustomed to, changes in weather patterns and persistent droughts are a real threat to our existence. Unfortunately, all of this threatens the availability of what gives life to all living things, water. Water has no substitute, therefore our relationship with water cannot remain the same whilst we are confronted with this challenge. The luxury to use water only once is no longer an option available to us anymore, therefore creative ways to bring solutions that are environmentally friendly whilst allowing for water reuse are more than necessary.

Partnering with Jinluo Water, one of the top 50 private companies in China, OPECS Water has found a space in this global movement striving towards optimising water usage by providing water management solution, that allows recycling of wastewater through a process that is environmentally friendly.

This solution possesses the following basic and unique characteristics;
➔ It is a completely biological process that does not require investment in chemicals,
➔ It is low on power consumption (can use solar panels to provide power),
➔ It does not discharge any organic sludge which in most cases leads to outbreaks in disease
➔ Most of all it does not have an odour

In our pursuit to provide more access to portable water by recycling wastewater to reusable
standards, we provide decent sanitation to all and dignity to humankind.

Having said the above with regards to both OPECS Professional Services and OPECS Water, I believe you will agree with me when I reaffirm that it’s not arrogant to boldly assert that OPECS is relevant and our solutions are responsive.

Having good and responsive solutions does not complete the puzzle, people and organisations with whom those solutions reside remain critical pieces of this puzzle. This is the reason why at OPECS we believe in the OPECS WAY.

In the next few months, the Group Exco led by the Group Chief Executive will be rolling out a programme of engaging with colleagues with a view to ensuring the OPECS WAY is understood and interpreted in practical terms. I believe that with all the good solutions we have, our organisational culture must encourage;

➔ Accountability
➔ Independent thinking
➔ Freedom
➔ Decision Making
➔ Dependability
➔ Trust and
➔ Commitment

I welcome all colleagues to make the best use of this communication platform, and I equally thank the Marketing and Internal Communication team for making this possible. It is a great achievement for Group as well and I wish you all an empowering journey aboard OPECS.

Siyabulela Fanie
Group Chief Executive