User:Adriaanjdelange
The Purpose Driven Planet
Strategy for Sustainable, Purpose Driven Development of South Africa, Africa and the rest of the Planet.
Preface
Special thanks to my family and friends that touched my life.
Thanks to the staff and lecturers of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, especially the Industrial Engineering Department.
Thanks to the staff and lecturers of the Stellenbosch University, especially the Industrial Engineering Department.
All the staff and academics are extremely helpful, driven and dedicated, towards one common goal. Making South Africa, a better, more coercive, and prosperous society, for all it’s people. I applaud them. (All opinions, expressed in this document, is my own.)
Purpose of this Paper
1. Self analysis – What do you want to achieve with your life? What is more important to you, your money and belongings, or the people and friends with whom you associate yourself with?
2. Challenging – Stimulating Human Consciousness. The scope and rang of topics is wide and discussed simplistically. The questions I pose, are of greater significance than the content. I challenge readers, to write their own version, add content or improve on this work.
3. Inspiring – Motivate people to live a balanced life, personally, with each other, with the planet, which we are only temporarily borrowing from our future offspring.
Contents
Page
Pretext for the Reader i.
Purpose of the Paper ii.
1. Basic Human Needs in the World 1 2. Choices you make and their implications 2
3. Facilitating of Solutions For Sustainable Purpose Driven Development of South Africa, Africa and the rest of the Planet. 4
4. What drives a person? 5
5. What is a Strategic Resource? 6
6. What Strategic Resources does South Africa have at its disposal? 7
7. How should our Import/Export strategy support the
Sustainable Purpose Driven Utilization of these resources? 8-14
7.1 Religious, Spiritual Family Values 8 7.2. Population Diversity 9 7.3. Bio Diversity 10-12 7.3.1. Agriculture 10-11 7.3.2. Mining 11 7.3.3. Forestry 12 7.3.4. Rivers, Dams and the Sea 12 7.3.5. Eco Tourism 12 7.4. Moderate Climate 13 7.5. Rich History, Culture and Arts 13 7.6. Innovating, Pioneering, Cooperative Spirit 14 7.7. Manufacturing/Service Sector Capacity 14
8. Which countries should we pursue strategic partnerships with? 15
9. Return to Human Values in the Economy 16
10. National Social Problems 17 10.1 Gambling and ‘The Lotto’ 17 10.2 Migration of Population 17 10.3 Machine Dependency 17 10.4 Addictions 17
11. Global Political Reforms 18 11.1 United Nations 18 11.2 European Union 18 11.3 Human Rights 18 11.4 Smaller, Flexible, Adaptable Government Systems 18 12. Conflict Ending Initiatives 19-20
13. Law Enforcement/Military 21
14.Education
15. Energy Sources – Simplify, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 23-24 15.1 Move from Fossil Fuels 23 15.2 Move to Clean Renewable Energy 23 15.2.1. Gravity and Kinetically Energy 23 15.2.2. Sun Energy 23 15.2.3. Wind Energy 23 15.2.4. Water Energy 23 15.2.5. Geothermal Sites 23 15.1.6. Chemical Reactions 24 15.1.7. Nuclear Power 24
16. Financial Services 25-26 16.1. International Monterey Funds and World Bank 25 16.2. Stock Exchanges 26
17. Food 27
18. Medical Services 28-29
19. Shelter/Housing/Human Settlements 30
20. Infrastructure 31-33 20.1. Airports 31 20.2. Harbours 31 20.3. Rail 31 20.4. Roads 31 20.5. Dams (Water Storage) 32 20.6. Electricity Generation 32 20.7. Factories 33 20.8. Hospitals/Clinics/Medical Centrums 33 20.9. Library/Museums/Information Centrums 33 20.10. Nurseries 33
21. Transport - Slower, Smaller, Cleaner, Whiter, Lower 34-35 21.1. Ground Transport 34-35 21.2. Water Transport 35 21.3. Air/Space Transport 35
22. Telecommunication/I.T./Media and other Essential Services 36-37
Conclusion 38
References and prescribed reading material 39
1. Basic Human Needs in the World
THE BASIC NEEDS AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL PEOPLE, NEEDS TO MET FIRST, ALWAYS.
Food Enough food for each day for energy to live and work.
Clothing Enough Clothing for protection against unfavorable weather conditions and to promote bodily cleanliness.
Shelter A shelter that provides protection, promotes healthy living conditions and that is equipped with certain household equipment and furniture.
Security Security against violence, unemployment and provision for personal needs in illness or old age.
Health and necessary Services Safe drinking water, sanitation, access to energy, medical services, education and transport means.
2. Decisions to make.
What is more valuable. A human Life, or all the treasures in the world?
3. Implication of your decisions
There will be no True Security or Peace in the World, as long as the Basic Needs and quality of life for all people are not met first, always.
The Holy Bible, Koran, Torah and other spiritual scriptures teaches us to live in harmony with, each other and nature. We breathe the same air; drink water from the same source. What we have in common should bind us, provide direction to our lives and drive our decision making, when you take into account that our destinies are intertwined. There is no monopoly on common sense.
Time and Love is thus the most precious elements in the Universe.
4. Facilitating of Solutions for Sustainable Purpose Driven Development of South Africa, Africa and the rest of the Globe.
5. What drives a Person?
What are you living for?
What is the function of your existence?
Animal like instincts and emotions controls most human activities. Logic is only used to create the perception that we are in control of these instincts and emotions. Animals compete for strategic resources, but we have logic and a consciousness, what are supposed to exult us above animals. (?)
This competition between cultures, religions and abilities forms part of the perception, that some people or groups of people are exulted above others, is the source of all conflict in this world. By changing your perception, this need to compete, and the resulting conflict and all the other symptoms will be resolved.
6. What is a Strategic Resource?
A Strategic resource is unique and offers an advantage to those who controls, utilize and monopolize it. Gold, Diamonds, Oil, Coal, Aluminum, Uranium, Energy or Water is available all over the world, in some regions more than other, thus it is not strategic or unique.
7. What Strategic Resources does South Africa have at its disposal?
8. How should our Import/Export strategy support the Sustainable Purpose Driven Utilization of these resources?
8.1. Family Values(We are good, humble people) Move From: Media Driven Culture that spreads Half Truths and Lies, and sketches a world where self indulgence, power, wealth and status is pursued. Stereotypes are sketched; fear and division are spread. Dirty language, violence, pornography.
Move To: Where balance, minimalism and simplism are aimed for in all facets of life.
These truths are the foundation and center of our being. The family unit must again be the most important component of our community. Parents must in word and deed, set an example for their children. Death can strike any moment, through illness, violence or accident.
The media, church and education institutions must ensure that the content of their message is factually correct, and is representative of the truth. Much marketing is misguiding, and the Broadcasting Authorities should ensure the quality of the media. The media is like a drum, which shapes the speed and mood of the population. This ‘drum’ must now beat slower and calmer. There is no reason for this ‘Rat Race’ or mad rush of today. A person’s productivity is only limited be the speed of their thoughts.
8.2. Population Diversity
South Africa is an example of how a country can achieve a Democratic Government System through a basically bloodless revolution. South African’s has the knowledge, skills and expertise to end all these senseless violence and wars engulfing the world.
South African government should be encourage Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Artists, Teachers and Architects to apply their skills, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, or believes. The money is less here, but there is so much more to rave about. Here exists an opportunity to shape a brand new world and where you can have fun while achieving it.
Xenophobia is taking place as a result of people escaping Economic, Social, Religious and Political oppression, especially in Africa. By addressing these atrocities and improving conditions in their homelands, most will return home.
The psychologist should help perpetrator face and conquer their problems for reintegration into the community. If possible the victims of the crime, should be part of this rehabilitation process that both parties may reach forgiveness and reconciliation. Rehabilitated people may in turn educate the youth against the dangers of drugs, crime or violence, and be a force of positive change in their communities.
We have reached a point where population growth needs to stabilize. Family planning should be encouraged. This decision is very personal and is in conflict with certain cultures and belief systems, but emphatically these culture and beliefs systems will have to adapt to circumstances. The energy and resources required educating, feed and cloth children can’t increase exponentially, like in the developed countries and the population explosion in the developing countries.
8.3. Bio Diversity
Remove Foreign Species that is competition with Historical Bio Systems and Strategic Initiatives, and prevent the contamination of other Foreign Species.
8.3.1. Agriculture Agriculture is a fundamental cornerstone on with a flourishing community is build. Food security prevents famine, poverty and conflict, because it is a basic human necessity.
Agriculture subsidies protect farmers in developed countries, and allow them to manufacture huge surpluses just because they have the ability. Surpluses are then dumped on developing countries markets, is like putting an AK-47 in a 9-year-old child’s hands, because Genetic Modified Maize can be purchased cheaper at the local market than it can be manufactured locally. His 6-year-old brother died excruciatingly, because they couldn’t afford basic medicine.
People can feel so oppressed, that they are willing strap explosives to their bodies and sacrifice themselves and others. There is an over production of food in the world and still people go hungry, it blows my mind. In the future, Agriculture requirements will reduce and the damage to the ecosystems can be determined, human structure without historical value can be removed and nature can be given a ‘Helping Hand’ to recover.
Tobacco plantations must be plowed and food grown on this ground. Tobacco related diseases kills tens of thousands and reduce the quality and life expectancy of others. Hundreds of Millions of people is addicted to Tobacco. In the developed countries smoking is a social taboo, and these companies are now targeting developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America. People in developing countries are more vulnerable for addiction, because of lower levels of education and a lack of knowledge regarding the side effects.
Fertilizer disrupts the balance of Nitrogen in the nature, and places more of it in our food, water and air. Herbicides and Pesticides should rather be replaced with natural biological enemies. It is good to clear weeds; it keeps you humble. Weeds perform a vital role. It grows quickly, that topsoil may be protected against wind and water erosion. Some weeds contain oils and seeds that can be utilized in the manufacturing of Bio Diesel. It just needs to be harvested, it does not need to be sown and need very little water.
Genetic Manipulated Maize and other plants is changed that it forms sterile seeds, which means that Seed- and Poison Distributes have created a monopoly for their products. The farmer is thus forced to purchase seed and pesticides yearly. Plant natural vegetation in your gardens that needs less water, as well as fruit trees and vegetables.
8.3.2. Mining The purpose of Mining activities in my opinion is absolute because enough Coal, Iron oar (Scrap Metal), Aluminum, Gold, Platinum and Uranium is in world circulation. These metals should rather be recycled and the miners retrained for this purpose. The reality is the people need employment. The health and safety of miners, should be paramount.
Mining sites needs to be rehabilitated speedily. Mine dumps places toxic dust (Asbestos, Lead, Mercury, Soot and Radioactive Elements) and heavy metals, with wind in the atmosphere, and with rainwater in peoples drinking water; a blatant mass human right violation. These mine dumps need to be reprocessed for any valuable elements, placed back into the mineshafts it came from.
8.3.3. Forestry Forestry, and water our scarcest resource, is in direct competition with each other. Pine Trees is an invader specie.
Where do we get our paper?
Recycling and the development of methods to create paper from indigenous plant life. Where an Invader Specie is removed an Indigenous Tree should be planted. This needs to be performed that the replanted forest and eco system will appear and function normally.
Rain forests have been chopped down gradually over the past 150 years; will have to be replanted SPEEDILY, to combat Global Warming. Greenhouse gasses takes between 30-50 years to reach the upper layers of the atmosphere. This means we are only experiencing the effects of pollution that was generated up to the Second World War. We need to start working and adapting today, to compensate for the changes in the climate that is unavoidable.
8.3.4. Rivers, Dams and the Sea Treated sewage still contains bacteria that are pumped back into our water systems. Floodwater system must prevent rubbish from ending up in our rivers and oceans. Pumping sewage into the ocean should be stopped, and the sewage treated. Out of sight out of mind, but this does not mean that it is not toxic for fish species or plank tong. Plank tong is the rain forest of the oceans and produces the most oxygen on the planet and is the corner stone of all life in the sea. Plank tong is extremely sensitive for raising see temperature that is experienced around the equator.
8.3.5. Eco Tourism South Africa is an Eco Tourism paradise, the whole world in one country. The countries natural beauty is only exceeded by its rich history and various cultures and people, with their smiles, stories and hospitality. This industry needs to be affordable for everyone, by increase competition, transparency and curbing monopolistic behavior. Tour guides should use this opportunity to educate the public on the importance of protecting the environment. A country’s environmental record, like its human rights record, will increasingly influence the tourism industry.
8.4. Moderate Climate South Africa has a great moderate climate with most areas receiving more than 300 days of sunshine a year. This allows us a great variety of outdoor activities around the year, which is great for tourism.
Scientific opinion predicts that Developing Countries especially in Africa, will be the hardest hit, with weather cycles becoming more fluctuating, can place harvests in danger and can worsen famine. See levels can rise as a result of melting icebergs that threatens highly populated, low laying cities with flooding.
Regions and countries can be crippled by these disasters. All the gasses in the atmosphere where stable till the start of the Industrial Revolution in Europe. Chlorine and chlorine containing gasses are still destroying the Ozone Layer. The rain forest and plant tong issue have already been discussed on page 23. Acid rain damages monuments that have resisted hundreds and thousands of years of decay, but are now disintegrating at an amazing rate.
8.5. Rich History, Culture and Arts South Africa’s ‘Modern History’ started with the Koi and the San that practiced a nomadic life style for thousands of years, before other African tribes and later settlers from various parts of the world moved here. These stories and folk tales must be told, that a person may realize, just HOW IMPORTANT and RELEVANT History is.
With so many different cultures, it is important to have an understanding of all perspectives of important events. With an understanding of the past, the future is certain, and mistakes of the past can be prevented.
Indigenous cultures should be celebrated and cherished. Unity in diversity. Patriotism does not require that cultures have to merge and every body think alike, but that we can live out different cultures and beliefs in respect towards each other. These rights are protected and guaranteed by the constitution.
Art is Africa’s and South Africa’s strategic resources with the greatest growth potential, with music, opera, poetry, short stories, painting, sculpture work, radio, television, film and the Internet. The Arts are going to burst out of its seams. Each person has a wide variety of artistic abilities what could be expressed. More local content of a higher quality are required for TV and the Film industry.
8.6. Innovating, Pioneering, Cooperative Spirit
South African’s excel in all levels of the community and possess an unstoppable fighting spirit. This spirit is formed by generations that lived in challenging circumstances, worked very hard. This spirit need be to rediscovered.
8.7. Manufacturing/Service Sector Capacity
Maximum value must be added, and industries need to be labour intensive. Dependable smart working, flexible people, is more valuable, than their weight in precious metals, like clients and deserve to be treaded with the same respect. Work Security and benefits must improve.
Less imported ‘junk’ must be purchased, and ‘Total’ South African manufactured goods should rather be purchased. Currently raw materials that no value is added too, are exported to foreign countries, where all the value is added and then purchased back. This process needs to be reversed, and products and services that truly enrich the quality of life of people need to be exported.
Recycling Centers: Simplify, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Waste and scrap can be imported and be recycled. First the low levels of domestic recycling need to be addressed, and a recycling culture developed. A Recycling Center should be started at each town, that it labour intensive.
Recycling Centers must educate the community to reduce their dependency on resources and simplify it. Scrap can be used for various purposes for example in toys, machinery or building material. Imagination is the only prerequisite and limitation. Poisonous materials must be broken down with safe methods and recycled.
Collection points must be more visible and placed at strategic places.
9. Which countries should we pursue strategic partnerships with?
Aim for a Balance between Developed and Developing countries. Balance between the West and the East. Balance between the North and South. A country cannot be judged by its Political Leadership. The heart, spirit and attitude of the individual needs to be researched. Good Leadership requires a Servant’s attitude. These ‘Servants’ set people free with love and truth, and don’t control or manipulate then with fear and lies.
History with a neutral perspective voices the values and character of a nation or an individual.
10. Return to Human Values in the Economy
Move from: Short Term Profit Goals
Move to: Long Term Sustainable Purpose Driven Development and Value Generation. People work for a cooperative purpose, for mutual, community and environmental benefit.
Move from Employment Seeker to Employment Provider An Entrepreneurial culture needs to be developed, that requires a shift in attitude and thinking. An Entrepreneur sees opportunities, where other just see problems, your need to change your own perspective. Entrepreneurs need to add more value, and not just buy and sell goods.
Move from a Multi Level Hierarchy Organization Structure to a Flat Organization Structure, where everybody is EQUAL, and follow a Democratic System. These organizations will be able to adapt to a rapid changing environment.
Move from Hugh Salary Differences to More Equal Reimbursement
Move from Hugh Organizations (Ineffective and Clumsy) to Micro Organizations ‘Family Businesses’
Move from Knowledge/Information Control to More Transparency
Religious Holidays Sundays must be kept Holy for Christens, Saturdays for Jews and Fridays for Moslems, and other religious holidays. A person cannot be forced to work on those days that are applicable to their religion or belief.
Women's Rights Women should be treaded and depicted with respect, not for their outward appearance but for their inner beauty, personality, creativity and service to their community.
11. National Social Problems
11.1. Gambling and ‘The Lotto’ Gambling can be seen as harmless fun, by some people, but this pyramid system is extremely refined and addictive. More people lose money, than they could win, that is indisputable. Families are being destroyed, food money is used to feed the habit, and lives are being destroyed.
People will argue that job opportunities are generated, but the bigger socio economic effect, is negative. The industry is now regulated, that means that the state is the biggest beneficiary.
The same can be said for ‘The Lotto’. Money is being donated to Non-Governmental Organizations and Charities, but this is only a small percentage of the total income. The money could just have been donated directly. Each Wednesday and Saturday people cue at the nearest café, dreaming of easy, quick money. Then they go and watch the stupid Lotto shows on TV. It might not must money that you are losing, but it is a fortune for some one who can’t afford bread. This system pollutes your mind, making you think that all your problems will be solved, if only you were rich. It is a bunch of crap!
The placement of advertisement in the media regarding Gambling and The Lotto should be stopped, like cigarette advertisement.
11.2. Migration of Population Urbanization, ruralization, migration of people and their need for resources and services, will always be there. Current infrastructure are being over utilized and are congested by the migration of people, while other infrastructure are being under utilized. Resources need to be invested to stimulate employment opportunities in these under utilized areas, which will bring a balance in affect.
11.3. Machine Dependency We are too dependent on machines to do our work for us, and to think for us. Technology should be seen as a supplement and can’t replace a healthy mind and methods. Electricity and fuel disruptions disable most activities in our communities that we have grown too use to. Stable, cheap, clean, plentiful energy is necessary for African and other Developing countries to flourish.
11.4. Addictions We all have our little vises.
12. Global Political Reforms
12.1. United Nations All countries must have an equal representation in the UN, irrespective of the population size or GDP. The world has change since the 2nd World War, shouldn’t the UN change with it, as well? When each country enjoys equal representation the balance of power will be restored in the world, which means that a Democratic System will make decisions that will be representative of the will of ALL the nations of the world. The same must be true for the AU and the EU.
12.2. European Union The European Union with its Central Bank, Euro Money Unit, Court and Constitution, is expanding to the East.
What is the cost to these countries?
Maybe it looks like a short-term Win-Win situation financially on paper, but long-term implications is unknown. Some economies are just more evolved and competitive, and will as a result gain an unfair advantage, and exploit it. The Skilled Workforce will migrate where opportunities presents the most potential, which will leave a vacuum in these countries, a ‘Brain Drain’ will develop. These countries will however aspire for their independence and will rediscover their cultural identity.
12.3. Human Rights Human Rights supersede Cultural Rights. Woman enjoys equal standing in all facets of the community. Woman are high in demand in leadership positions, because of their nurturing instincts. Women are more in control of their ego, and their decision make, is not influenced by testosterone.
12.4. Smaller, Flexible, Adaptable Government Systems A system BY the people, FOR the people, not to enrich yourself, family, friends, or associates.
13. Conflict Ending Initiatives
Dictatorship cannot be tolerated in the day of age we are living in, while the populous are being oppressed. It is just totally unacceptable. These Dictators cannot hide behind and get away with the idea that “internal affairs” are their private business. An individual and his group beneficiaries which are living of the fat of the land, is cut off from the average person and can’t hear the needs and requirements of the citizens, which they are supposed to serve and pay their salaries. Democracies take time to mature and evolve.
14. Law Enforcement/Armies
Break down military boundaries between nations. Boundaries are a symbol and symptom of distrust. The walls and minefields between Israel and Palestine; North and South Korea; India, Kashmir and Pakistan and other conflicting neighbour nations. History depicts great feats, where humanity triumphed over segregation and separation, like the break down of the Berlin Wall.
Non-Lethal Law Enforcement methods and technology should be introduced. Companies manufacturing lethal weapons should just shift their focus. We need to respect and honour the countries law enforcers, because they work under huge pressure, and place their life’s at risk each day, to make this country a safer place for its citizens.
Utilize Anti-Mine Technology to clear minefields in Vietnam, Mosambiek and Korea that no child would loose limb or life stepping on a minefield.
Would you allow your children to play in a minefield?
Armies need to be retrained to accomplish these tasks above, for Peace Keeping Missions and evacuation of people affected by Natural Disasters. Exit Strategies need to be devised for war veterans, and especially child soldiers to be reintegrated into the fabric of their communities. Their individuality and dignity needs to be restored, receive counselling for emotional trauma, and be taught new skills that will enhance their community.
Huge Arsenals of Satellites, Aeroplanes, Helicopters, Tanks, Ships, and Sub-Marines, can be converted and adapted for civil use. Spy-Satellites can monitor erosion or pollution. Aeroplanes and Helicopters can transport supplies for Aid Missions. Ships and Sub-Marines can be used for scientific purposes. Arms races between nations, is a waste of the taxpayers money and resources. Put the peoples interest first.
This human energy and resources should rather be invested in education, the health system, restoring and protecting eco systems.
15. Education
Dialogue should be encouraged, and different opinions and perspectives should be respected. No two people think alike, each person is unique. All fields of study is equally important, and individuals should be encouraged to follow their interests and passions. Being politically correct, and trying to respect each other’s ego’s, emotions, is attainable, it all depends on the circumstances. The needs of the many are more important than the needs of the few or individual. Corporal punishment should be reintroduced and applied in controlled circumstances, if it carries the parent’s approval. It should be an personal choice.
100 % Literacy for the whole of South Africa’s population should be a top priority, which means that Adult Education should receive great attention. Libraries could be used for this purpose. So many people is totally powerless and exploitable, just because they can’t read, and thus have to believe what ever they are being told.
Drastic less TV, and Internet should be encouraged, that families can communicate, and relationships be build and problems resolved.
Abilities and knowledge of previous generations should be learned and recorded, for enrichment and preservation for future generations. Especially where cultural group like the Koi and San, made cave drawings to depict hunting expeditions and other events.
16. Energy Sources – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Simplify
16.1. Move from Fossil Fuels Human Kind is too dependent on Fossil Fuels, for energy. Gas, coal and oil places Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere, with accelerates Global Warming.
16.2. Move to Clean Renewable Energy
16.2.1. Gravity and Kinetically Energy Clean renewable energy that is freely available everywhere. Gravity and Kinetically Energy is not taxable and is applicable to the complete planet.
16.2.2. Sun Energy Sun Energy is plentiful in South Africa and Africa, where Photo Electric Cells will power household appliances and direct sunlight can be utilized to warm water for cooking or bathing, and natural light to brighten houses.
16.2.3. Wind energy Wind energy can be converted to mechanical/kinetic energy. In Holland it is used to pump water out of dikes and to pump water for agricultural purposes around the world. Electricity generation potential is best when both Wind speed and consistency is high. These characteristics are dependent on the Geographic properties of a region. Coastal areas are suited for this purpose.
16.2.4. Water Energy Water Energy can be converted to mechanical/kinetic energy. Water is denser than air, and thus moving water, can drive equipment or perform tasks that require substantial torque. It is a common source of energy that has been utilized by civilizations for millennia.
Electricity generation capacity need to be utilized optimally and maintained and upgraded accordingly. The impact of building more huge dams is too great on the environment. This technology is more suited where rainfall is higher and consistent, like Europe, Asia and the Americas.
16.2.5. Geo Thermal Sites Geo Thermal Sites are used in Iceland to generate electricity. Their economy is not driven by the prices of precious metals or fossil energy. In South Africa these sites are used more for family recreation and spas.
16.2.6. Chemical Reactions
Chemical Reactions can be used to manufacture alcohol from biomass, which is in high sugar content, as a supplement or replacement to petrol. Bio Diesel can be harvested from seed oils. The Fermentation process is exothermic, which means that energy is given off, in the form of heat. This heat can be used for various purposes.
16.2.7. Nuclear Power Nuclear Power is “cleaner” than Fossil Fuels. In the short term less environmental pollution is generated, but long term, the cost and storage of radioactive and toxic waste for thousands of years is huge. This waste is usually dumped in Africa for a couple of pittances.
In the short term it will close all oil, gas and coal power stations, till electricity devised from the Sun, Wind, Water, Geo Thermal and Chemical Reactions is sufficient for our needs. It may even be possible for no new Nuclear Power Station to be build, if enough people adapt their habits and focused energy is invested in renewable energy sources.
Countries, which are highly dependable on fossil fuels for their income, will have to diversify their economies and promote tourism and agriculture. Oil or mineral wealth have always been monopolized by multinational organizations and/or governments and have not delivered the promised benefits to the poorest of the poor, in developing countries.
17. Financial Services
17.1. International Monterey Funds and World Bank It is habit that the president of the IMF is elected out of the U.K., and the World Bank out of the U.S.A. These two institutions thus serve the interests and agendas of these two countries, not the world as a whole. It fuels the Globalization effort. Debt is poison; it imprisons you, and limits your freedom of choice.
The baggage of colonization, civil war, and poor managing self enriching political leaders have plummeted their countries and people in huge dept with weapon purchases and fickle life styles. It saddens me and is ironic that the permanent members of the security counsel of the UN, which main purpose is to prevent conflict, are also the biggest exporters of weapons in the world.
Some leaders of Africa are the richest business people in the world, while millions of their people are besieged with poverty. These countries have to naturally pay back the debt, and mineral deposits, oil and other resources are sold at unfair prices, just to cover the rent on the loans. Their greed has placed themselves in an unfair negotiating position.
This extortion must simply end. Write off all debt. If a country needs resource or technological assistance, it should be provided, without wanting something in return. Those who have money have a golden opportunity to invest as much as possible, in the poorest of the poor, the defenseless, vulnerable, not to promote their interests or agendas, but to relief pain, hunger and prevent death. Non-profit organizations should be supported; groups, which educate, feed, cloth and heal the ill and poor. These organization’s track record should glow with integrity.
Give the Keiser his or her due. The church by definition and function is also a non-profit organization. Tax systems can be simplified by 99 %, by simply charging Value Added Tax. Poverty will be made history, income levels will move closer to each other.
17.2. Stock Exchanges Investors can invest responsibly in companies, which have a track record of social, environmental, employee responsibility and manufactures goods and services that truly add value.
Where can I Invest my surplus income, where it can facilitate the greatest positive change?
These companies can include Non-Profit Organizations, which supports children affected or infected with HIV/AIDS, Clinics, Hospitals, Old Age Homes, S.P.C.A. which looks after the welfare of animals, Culture organizations, Nurseries which grows vegetables, fruit trees and indigence flora, Libraries, Museums, Recycling Centers, Companies developing renewable energy systems and restoration of Historical Structures and Buildings.
18. Food
Move from processed foods, where vitamins are destroyed in the cooking process, and which is high is sugars, fats, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals and heavy metals to organic freshly grown juicy fruit and vegetables.
I don’t want to touch Genetic Manipulated Foods. Cities are covered with patches of unused property of the state, which is lying barren and polluted with junk and alien vegetation. These patches can be rehabilitated, and vegetable gardens planted. These ‘Green Spots’ could function as symbols of hope, and inspire required change and urban renewal.
Food of the highest quality are being exported to foreign countries, while South African’s must be satisfied with the leftovers. We all work hard for the manufacturing of food, of the highest quality, shouldn’t everybody have affordable access to these food?
Red Wine contains anti-oxidants, which keeps oxidants, which are toxic to the body in balance. South Africa has the best winemakers and wine in the world, yet red wine of highest quality is out of reach of the pallet of the average South African.
Clean Drinking water is also necessary out of the tap, and not just on the supermarket shelves. Water is life; it is possibly, the most basic of all human rights, yet hundreds of millions of people don’t have access to this necessity.
19. Medical Care
Affordable Quality Medical Care must be available to the whole population. Medical Funds is a profit generating organization, which by virtue places their own interests, income statement and balance sheet, ahead of the lives of their clients. I am curious if these CEO’s have taken the Hippocratic auth. These systems are just out of the reach of the average South African. More resources need to be channeled to the public health sector; a healthy population is more productive. Prevention is better than the cure, and cheaper as well. A healthy lifestyle, information and regular checkups can prevent illness and early diagnosis of chronic diseases.
A holistic health care approach is required where equilibrium is pursued in body, mind and soul. A fusion of global medical information is required, combining the best of the best of each culture. Western medicine is in it’s infancy stage, where an understanding of the human body is only now being comprehended, while in the East medicine have been practiced for hundreds of years more. Traditional African doctors also has knowledge for plants and roots, which have medicinal values.
Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in Africa, because of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. TB and Malaria is very cheaply treatable, still so many die of completely curable diseases.
HIV/AIDS hits the poorest of the poor and uneducated people the worst. Your sexual behavior should be responsible. The government is struggling with the issue of finding a balance between sustenance, vitamins, Anti-Retroviral medicines and educating cultural groups, which will have to adapt to this treat. A concise, clear message needs to be send by all leaders to the population, and a focused strategy implemented.
A balanced diet is essential for everybody in the first place, because if you’re weak and malnourished, vitamins and Anti-Retroviral medicines will not stop you from dying of hunger. Vitamins can supplement a balanced diet. Anti-Retroviral medicines increase the white blood cell count of the immune system, and aid the body to fight the disease more effectively. Education is required to prevent the transmission of this virus, and to improve efficiency and safety of the treatment, for those infected and affected, to best live with it. I would invest 35 % of the resources allocated on education, 30 % on nourishment, 30 % on Anti-Retroviral medicines and 5 % on Vitamin supplements.
I wonder how history and our children are going to judge for the lack of action and commitment with which we tackled this epidemic of biblical proportions. We are writing history every day, and our children and grand children may even still be proud of us.
Technology advancement’s gift to humanity should be focused on curing previously incurable diseases and injuries. I believe if medical scientists work hard, and share research and information freely diseases like Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Cancer, AIDS and Spinal and Brain injuries can be cured. Hope is eternal.
20. Shelter/Housing/Human Settlements
The family structure is disrupted by the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas, which forces people to move to cities searching employment. There exists a lack of housing for these people, which forces them to live in highly challenging circumstances, with a social and health implications. Human settlements need an intelligent design, for a health society. The family unit needs to be restored.
The design of the houses should suite the region and climate. The design should reduce energy requirements, by being cool in summer and warm in the winter. Natural sunlight should brighten rooms, sun heated water geysers for bathes or showers. Rainwater catchments should be utilized to flush toilets and to water gardens. The design should enhance the quality of life, while reducing living expenses to the minimum.
21. Infrastructure
Investing in people is the top priority and current infrastructure should rather be maintained or upgraded, than building new “White Elephants”, mammoth projects that requires huge loans.
21.1. Airports Upgrade International Airports, for increased volume International Tourist that will be visiting South Africa. Upgrade small airstrips for small private airplanes to operate between towns.
21.2. Harbors Upgrade Harbors, for handling large Passengers Ships. Trans-oceanic voyages will flourish like in the early 20th century.
21.3. Rail Upgrade passenger couches and improve security on trains and stations. Passenger transport is safer than road transport, and will be very popular soon. Experiencing the natural beauty of African landscapes and enjoying the voyage, outstrips other forms of mass transport systems. Train stations can be revamped and will blow much needed life into small towns that were dependent on the economic stimulus.
21.4. Roads Reduce the allowable weight of heavy vehicles; the roads will last must longer. The rail system needs to be made more competitive, and it is more suited for heavy freight that has to travel long distances to fixed locations. Apply self-adaptive software technology and educate the public to improve the flow of traffic. Reduce the speed limit to 100km/h; it is already required for heavy transport and minibus taxis. It will save lives and resources.
21.5. Dams (Water Storage) Dams should allow the migration of fish species and other bio diversity, which creates healthier river systems. These Fish species can be utilized for a cheap source of protein. Fish can be bread in irrigation dams and harvested when the dams are emptied. Increase Hydro-Electric Generation Capacity, next to perennial water systems, which can provide farmers with clean, free electricity. The surplus can even be sold to the state.
Reduce the waste of clean drinking water by fixing leaks, by watering gardens early in the morning or at night. Utilize rainwater for gardening and sanitation purposes. By utilizing water more responsibly, there will be no need for more dams in South Africa.
21.6. Electricity Generation See Point No. “10. Energy Sources – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Simplify”, page 46-49.
It is expected that at the current economic growth rate electricity requirements will double in 20 years. South Africa sells electricity to its neighbors, and their requirements should also be taken into account, and a coordinated strategy devised and implemented to provide Southern Africa, and Africa with affordable clean energy.
In 2 years time Eskom is going to run out of spare generating capacity. The pebble-bed nuclear reactor will still need time to develop, but the technology looks promising. Affordable stable electricity supply for Africa, can improve the quality of live of hundreds of millions of Africans.
Do we necessarily need more electricity generating capacity for economic growth in South Africa? Can we reduce our energy requirements to a quarter currently used, in 20 years time?
Electricity Generation is going to be decentralized and individual households will generate surplus power with solar panels, wind generators. Photoelectric cells can be integrated into glass windows in houses or office buildings. Each day you can find ways to reduce your electricity requirements, and increase your generating capacity.
21.7. Factories Industries that struggled to compete in the globalize marketplace will recover as “Proudly South African” products dominate the market. Family business can rent closed down factories, which can also serve for housing purposes.
Old equipment can be utilized in manufacturing processes and Industrial Engineers can design computer less systems that can outperform any high tech factory.
The Recycling Center will be the factory of the 21st century. 99.9 % of all manufactured goods will be designed for recycling and will be recycled.
21.8. Hospitals/Clinics/Medical Facilities Current facilities must be maintained and upgraded. Where service delivery is not available new hospitals, clinics and medical centers need to be constructed, with access to water and electricity.
21.9. Library/Museums/Information Facilities The Library is the bastion of information and knowledge in the community. Libraries should receive financial backing, and the reading culture should be stimulated. The ability to read, most take for granted, but still it is out of the reach of so many. Literacy unlocks a world for children, which they can discover and explore. 100 % Literacy is a top priority; it creates a knowledgeable country and a stable Democracy.
21.10. Nurseries Each household can make a compost heap for organic biodegradable waste. The compost can be worked into vegetable gardens. Surplus waste with a longer breakdown period can be transported to a nursery, where it can be processed and distributed throughout the community. Indigenous trees and shrubs can be grown, which suites the region and climate. Fruit trees and vegetables can be grown for distribution. Plants with medicinal values can be grown, that removal from its natural environment, is unneccesary.
22. Transportation
Aim: Slower, Smaller, Cleaner, Whiter, Lower More than 90 % of all activities are transport related, which all requires energy. The necessity of all activities, especially transport activities need to be questioned. Energy requirements increase exponentially, with increase in speed, visa versa.
22.1. Ground Transport Walk or ride a bicycle to school, the shops or work, if possible. This is possible in small towns where a bicycle is a satisfactory for personal transport. The exercise is good for you, and there is no pollution.
Donkeys, Horses en Mules can be reintroduced in the farming industry especially for up and coming farmers. They are perfect for small-scale farming.
Electric Motorcycles can be used where distances are greater. These motorcycles can be recharged with clean, free energy from solar panels or wind generators. An electrical motor can replace the internal combustion engine on your current motorcycle and a fuel cell can replace the fuel tank.
Small Electric/Bio Diesel/LP Gas/Alcohol Motor Vehicles. Electricity infrastructure is already available in most of the world, so no new expensive infrastructure is required.
Acceleration and top speed will be the same as petrol engines, but the transport costs will drop with 95 %, with just maintenance cost left.
Here the engine and gearbox of current vehicles can just be replaced, and you can drive your current vehicle for the next 20 years. Vehicle Manufacturing Companies will have to adapt to customer demands and manufacture these vehicles, which are affordable to all South Africans or close down.
Bio Diesel is ideal for heavy transport where current diesel engines will run on bio diesel with a couple of minor modifications. Bio diesel can be refined from oily seeds. This holds huge potential for the farming industry when fuel can be manufactured, where it is required. Surplus fuel can again be transported by rail to the nearest town or city of use.
Alcohol can be made from plant material high in sugars. This alcohol can be added to petrol engines. The engines will need minor modifications. These technologies have been utilized in some countries for years now.
The rail system is ideal for heavy freight moving to fixed locations. See Point No. “15 Infrastructure, iii. Rail”, Page 63. The rail system is drastically underutilized and huge employment opportunities are lost. Rail transport is the safest form of ground transport, and can drastically reduce the number of busses and taxi’s on our roads. Rail transport should just be made more affordable than road transport. Taxi’s is ideal for driving people from train stations to various shorter distance destinations.
22.2. Water Transport Wind energy is a clean source of power on yachts and Bio Diesel can drive engines if the wind dies down. This form of transport is only viable on larger river systems in Africa, and not in South Africa.
22.3. Air/Space Transport Passenger Planes are going to get smaller, slower and develop more glider features. Cleaner burning engines will be added to airplanes which will not place any more CO2 and other gasses into the upper levels of the atmosphere.
Lighter than air, Nitrogen and Helium Airships can be used in eco tourism for a panoramic view over wild, without scaring them, like with a helicopter.
Solar Panel Wing Satellites can be launched from any airstrip. It may carry research or communication equipment into the top levels of the atmosphere. This is much more economical launch vehicle, and there is no pollution. These vehicles will be able to land for repairs and upgrades and re-launched.
Future Manned Moon and Mars landings. Energy and resources should rather be utilized to solve all our problems on the earth first and foremost. Robotics is better suited for the exploration of space and extra-terrestrial bodies. Countries with developing ballistic missile programs (Iran, N/Korea/India/Pakistan/Other) should be encouraged to use their knowledge and skills to form part of the International Space Station, or some other future project. Give them an elegant exit strategy. There is nothing as godless as a war, what are people fighting for(?)
23. Telecommunication/Information Technology/Media and other Essential Services
Telecommunication technology should be accessible and affordable to all. Fixed line operators and Cell phone companies in Africa are the most profitable in the world, and borders on exploitation. Limited Resources and spending of the poor have shifted to these expensive services, leaving less for food, clothing and education.
Move from Propriety Software to Open Source Software. All these captains of industry are extremely good at marketing their products and destroying the competition. Purchasing and upgrading computers continuously, just to, for the sake to keep up or play the latest games, is a waste of money and time. Operating systems at getting bigger, slower and need Internet connection and expensive anti-virus software.
It is a black hole of spiraling costs and little value. Open Source Software should be sufficient for 99 % private use and 90 % for commercial use. I upgrade my computer every decade.
Have computer systems and software diluted our ability to communicate effectively?
Have there truly been net value generated by the investment of resources the past two decades in computer software development?
The Internet was developed for scientists to communicated if a nuclear war should ever occur, and conventional methods where not possible. Like most technology, it has been twisted. It is full off pornography, advertising and viruses. It is a great communications and information tool in the correct hands. All the junk just needs to be removed.
Are the quality and content of our communication increasing, or is it declining?
Nothing can replace face-to-face communication, because 90 % of our message is communicated by body language.
Our modern telecommunication technologies allow us to communicate to half the population of the planet.
Are we communicating more though?
Conclusion Each day, we collectively could make the world, a better place to live and play in. Rome was not build in a day, thus my dream of this “Utopia”, is only limited by the imagination, of the mind, and people with the same longing and aspiration.
Prescribed Reading and Stimulation
1. Theory of Constraints - Goldratt
2. Business at the Speed of Thought – Bill Gates
3. Research Methodology, 2nd Edition, JC Welman, SJ
Kruger
4. Introduction to Work Study, Edited by George Kanawaty,
Fourth (Revised) Edition, ILO Geneva, Chapter 1, Productivity and the Quality of Life
5. Daily Newspaper or Reading Material