Perspective Pulse

Connecting knowledge and expertise

2–19 August 2024

In our previous edition of Perspective Pulse, we shared our continued focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. As we continue to celebrate Women’s Month under the theme ‘The future is inclusive’, our community of solvers are pledging their commitment to inclusivity at the firm. The spirit of Ubuntu requires all of us to contribute as a community in order to drive this change. We urge you to consider the impact you have to support an environment that is inclusive for all. We are only half the story.

Thought leadership

Human-centred design in healthcare: Envisioning the future hospital

In a rapidly evolving hospital environment, where adaptation faces unique challenges and opportunities, human-centred design (HCD) emerges as a cornerstone of innovation and compassion. This report provides insights on the benefits of implementing HCD in healthcare strategies; provides practical examples of healthcare facilities that have implemented HCD methodologies to improve the healthcare experience of patients, workers and hospital management; and gives a brief overview of how hospitals can be optimised by adopting human-centred design approaches when delivering healthcare services. #HealthcareInnovation #HCD

Read the full report here.

Building resilience for severe but plausible scenarios: The era of global connectivity demands a stronger approach to resilience

In July 2024, a widespread IT outage brought operations to a halt across various sectors worldwide, underscoring a fundamental truth: while the digital age has been transformative, it comes with risks that can impact even the most well-prepared organisations. In this report, we share PwC's perspective on building resilience for severe but plausible scenarios and offer insights and recommend actions for organisations seeking to enhance their resilience in the face of unforeseen disruptions, including IT system failures and third-party dependencies. #BusinessResilence #OperationalResilence #EnterpriseResilience

 Explore the insights here.

South Africa Economic Outlook: Listening to what consumers are saying

While we are seeing some positive trends in the consumer market, South African shoppers are cautious about the economic outlook for the remainder of 2024 and heading into 2025. They will continue to be very price sensitive in their shopping activities and frequently compare prices across apps and shops to get the best deal—and will prioritise essential products over comfort and luxury goods. #EconomicOutlook #VoiceOfTheConsumer

Explore our latest Economic Outlook for more insights.

Hopes & Fears Survey 2024–African perspectives

In this publication we explore perceptions and attitudes from 2,000 workers across South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria, revealing a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities in the African workforce. 

This year’s findings are distilled into six critical actions for C-suite leaders to build a change-ready workforce across three key themes: leading through transformation, unleashing GenAI, and fueling performance through upskilling and the employee experience. #HopesAndFears #Workforce

We unpack these insights here.

Events

PwC’s 30th Education Conference

The countdown has begun for PwC’s 30th Education Conference in Cape Town. Experience the power of transformation at this milestone event, taking place on 2 and 3 September at the Century City Conference Centre. We invite you to join distinguished delegates and education leaders in navigating critical issues in tertiary education. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. Registration closes on Friday, 23 August, so secure your spot now to help shape the future of African education. #PwCEdConf #Education #30YearsofPwCEdConf

Register for the event here.

Societal purpose

The United Nations’ launch of Generation Unlimited in South Africa

This week saw the monumental launch of Generation Unlimited South Africa (GenU SA) at PwC’s Waterfall office in Johannesburg. GenU SA is a public-private-youth partnership that is on a mission to skill and connect South Africa’s youth to opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and social impact. PwC South Africa is proud to be collaborating with GenU SA and aims to continue working together on initiatives that will contribute and add value to Government’s Presidential Youth Employment Intervention—a network that connects young people to youth skilling and employment opportunities across the country. #TogetherWeSolve#SkillsRightNow