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Top 10 business continuity issues

Whether it is an economic recession, crumbling infrastructure, lack of skills, social unrest, failing health standards or any combination of these events, there are almost endless causes to put business continuity plans to the test.

There are a plethora of issues that force organisations to implement their business continuity plans, but we are now at a unique junction in South African history and the coming year will be one in which continuity plans are more likely to be put to the test than at any time in the last decade or more.

With that in mind, Allen Smith, CEO of ContinuitySA believes the following are the top 10 issues will cause businesses to invoke and test the efficacy of their business continuity plans.

Allen Smith, CEO, ContinuitySA

2009 general election coupled with split in ANC

Elections are always a sensitive time in South Africa as parties vie for attention and votes. The election in 2009 will be even more volatile because of the split within the ANC. Already there are signs of friction and this is set to potentially increase.

Effect of the global recession and the impact on South African society

South Africa is not immune to the global recession. Companies must ensure they continuously monitor the global and local socio-political landscapes.

Threat of pandemics

As the latest Arena virus outbreak has shown, you can never relax in preparations for a pandemic. When it strikes it will not wait for a convenient time, nor will it provide a warning to allow companies to prepare.

2010 Soccer World Cup and general infrastructure disruptions

We have all but adapted to the never-ending roadworks and sinkholes, but it will only get worse and there will be even more people on the roads than ever before. Getting to work in 2009 may be more difficult than ever. Companies are advised to look at workers’ travel patterns and to plan accordingly for workers who could be caught up in traffic congestion.

New bus services are also planned to integrate into Gautrain when it goes live and this could create unrest among taxi drivers, who often disregard the law, and it is possible that they could start a campaign to cause traffic disruption as they have done in the past. Business will have to add this scenario to their radar screens.

Skills flight from SA

The skills issue will not go away. Business is in a global fight for skills and South Africa is not in a position to create enough new skills to make up for those being lost. The country is also unable to attract sufficiently skilled people from external sources.

Non-delivery of basic services

Ignoring the human factor prevalent in non-delivery of services, this failure on the part of government is a fertile breeding ground for criminals and those wishing to disrupt social order. The effect of their actions can hinder business by harming infrastructure or employees, or preventing them from getting to the workplace.

Climate fluctuations

Climate problems are another global phenomenon we all have to get used to. Companies need to ensure that they have the necessary contingency plans in place next year to deal with everything from flooding due to excessive rain to riots due to food shortages.

Continued power and infrastructure challenges

Eskom’s popularity will be dented once again should the talked about blackouts return in 2009, but it is not about the inconvenience or endless traffic jams. Lack of electricity hinders business from competing effectively and this can be the death knell for smaller businesses and more job losses.

Ignoring ERM, BCM and corporate governance

The current fallout from the world financial crisis will have a significant effect on the regulatory environment relating to absolute compliance to corporate governance, risk management and business continuity management (BCM). Companies will be required to prove they have excellent ERM and BCM and measurement of this, a relatively new development, will become critical, particularly to MDs of companies who will be held liable and face greater penalties in the future.

Crime, corruption, civil unrest and illegal immigration

These are old South African stalwarts and are unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, with the exception of an increase in civil unrest due to the new breakaway political party.

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