Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) is an independent association whose members include the leaders of some of South Africa’s biggest and most well-known businesses.
Through BLSA, South Africa’s business leaders engage key players in South African society, including government, civil society and labour, to exchange ideas in our national interest and to create effective dialogue.
By so doing, we contribute to building strong communities underpinned by job creation through sustained economic growth.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Tourism offers an opportunity we can control amid global uncertainty
The tourism sector recorded 10.5-million visitors in 2025, contributing 9% of GDP and nearly 1-million jobs, with government targeting 11-million visitors in 2026 and an additional 1-million jobs by 2030. The Iran war presents an immediate opportunity as Dubai and Qatar lose conference and business tourism, with South Africa well-positioned to capture displaced demand through a shared time zone, comparable infrastructure and political stability. Constraints, including airport capacity bottlenecks, slower visa processing than competitors, crime perception and hospitality skills gaps, require sustained focus through public-private partnerships to capitalise on opportunities. The rule of law, essential for tourism and business, is being reinforced through arrests of suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and 12 police officers based on Madlanga Commission evidence, with the NPA acting decisively. The tourism sector is a clear strength in our efforts to grow the economy and create jobs. In 2025, we recorded a record 10.5-million visitors, more than before Covid. The sector contributes almost 9% of GDP and almost 1-million direct jobs, and multiples of that down the value chain. In the face of sinking economic growth forecasts across the world, the sector can lean against the trend. Last week at a BLSA event in Cape […]
15/04/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – BLSA welcomes the appointment of Roelf Meyer as US Ambassador
Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) welcomes Roelf Meyer on his appointment as the United States ambassador. Mr Meyer’s commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and nation-building helped lay the foundation for South… continue reading
BLSA POSITION PAPER – On South Africa’s Sovereign Credit Rating
BLSA has commissioned an empirically grounded research paper on South Africa’s sovereign credit rating. The commissioning of the research paper… continue reading
25/02/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – BLSA welcomes credible 2026 Budget as growth returns, debt stabilises and reform momentum builds
BLSA congratulates Minister Godongwana on delivering a credible and pragmatic budget that tackles the country’s core challenges and reiterates the… continue reading
12/02/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – BLSA reacts to the State of the Nation Address
“We are stronger today than what we were a year ago”. That was the core message of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s… continue reading
