Wesgro does not provide research information

In an op-ed article in the Cape Argus (October 22) "Top research helps Wesgro develop and sell the Cape" (October 22), the Western Cape's research and development agency Wesgro's Tim Harris and Jacyntha Twynam write: "(Wesgro's research team) provide bespoke reports in response to queries from citizens of the province, and respond within three days to the majority of these requests".

Interesting.  A year ago, around the time Harris was appointed Wesgro (acting) CEO, I wrote to them, the Western Cape department of economic opportunities, Cape Chamber of Commerce and UCT's Saldru requesting credible research evidence for their oft stated views the so-called skills shortage was harming the regional economy. Except a secretary of economic opportunities replying a panel would respond, I never heard from them. 

Harris and Twynam cannot claim they were not aware of my request and references to Wesgro because I mentioned it in letters to the Cape Argus.  And we know they read the Cape Argus from their reference to Gavin Chait's column.  Incidentally, since I follow Chait's column, I asked his opinion about the alleged skills shortage.  He may oblige where Wesgro, an agency funded by the taxpayer, failed.

We have come to expect rudeness and disdain from public servants who consider themselves our lords. An example last week were politicians comfortable and oblivious on the parliamentary chamber's well-padded seats while mayhem unfolded at the gates over bread and butter issues - unaffordable fees, the state of education, economy and an uncertain future. 

But we need to challenge dishonesty where we find it, and I find Harris and Twynam's article self-serving and disingenuous.  I still lack access to vital information.

I doubt many businesses derive any value from their economic analysis and surveys. My experience as a consumer is that many local businesses lack innovation, drive and a desire for new markets and work.  They prefer familiar pathways and old, outdated ways of doing things. 

This is not only my jaundiced and subjective view, but also derived from fellow citizens, including a long conversation last week with a local manufacturer who was scathing of his industry. 

Previously published in Cape Argus October 29 (edited).

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Following publication of my letter, an officer of Wesgro emailed me the same day expressing "disappointment (not regret or apology) with the poor service"  regarding my enquiry last year.  However, she said there is no record of my email and requested I resend the original.

I replied I sent it a year ago at the same time I emailed WC economic development and Cape Chamber of Commerce, and could not resend the original because it was deleted long ago. In any event, because of my letters to the Cape Argus, they cannot be unaware of my request before now. 

I asked again for "credible research evidence - not anecdote and corporate lobbying that is the currency of trade of politicians".  Since they repeatedly made these statements about the skills shortage, they must already have evidence to support it."

I told her my reasons for asking for the information - that I was a skilled, experienced and unemployed, and if "job-seekers and college leavers are not able to learn where these 'scarce skills' are, if they exist, how can they plan whatever future they can make for themselves".
 

I ended by saying by ignoring me Wesgro, and its managing ministry, has shown that I don't matter.  Therefore, they don't matter to citizens of the province.

My original emailed letter (adapted) to Wesgro, Western Cape economic opportunities, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Saldru can be found at my SA skills shortage blog.