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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 – The PIC’s governance crisis is self-inflicted – and the fix is well known
A court last week ruled that the PIC board had no authority to suspend its CEO, exposing the fundamental governance flaw at the heart of the institution: politicians hold absolute power. The Mpati Commission identified these problems in 2020 and made clear recommendations on board selection, CEO appointment authority and limiting ministerial powers. Five years later, these have not been implemented. The PIC faces the same institutional flaws that crippled Eskom and Transnet before their reform processes began. The same rule should apply: authority over the executive must vest in the board, not in ministers. National Treasury must now amend the PIC Act to implement the Mpati recommendations. The new board must be given space to stabilise the institution, but the legislative work cannot wait any longer. Last week a court overturned the suspension of PIC CEO Patrick Dlamini, ruling that the board that suspended him lacked the authority to do so; only the minister holds that power. That single finding tells you almost everything you need to know about what is wrong with how the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is governed. The PIC is the largest shareholder in many large listed companies. Its views have significant influence in boardrooms. […]
23/07/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – Completion index falls for first time as problems emerge with energy sector reforms
Johannesburg, 23 July 2026 – The fourth BLSA Reform Tracker Quarterly Review, covering April to June 2026, shows South Africa’s overall reform completion index fell to 71.5 from 71.7 in… continue reading
30/06/2026
PRESENTATION – Addressing the Crisis in Johannesburg – Data and Analysis
On 25 June BLSA hosted a Council Meeting where Lael Bethlehem, a partner at Genesis Analytics and former Director… continue reading
04/06/2026
BLSA AND BUSA JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT – South Africa’s Business Leaders Affirm the Rule of Law and Call for Calm and Co-Created African Solutions Amidst Migration and Immigration Challenges
JOHANNESBURG 5 June 2026 – Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and Business Leaders South Africa (BLSA) note with concern the… continue reading
03/06/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT – A call to rebuild Johannesburg: Business sets out its commitment to act
Johannesburg, South Africa, 4 June 2026 – Business is deeply committed to South Africa and believes strongly in its long-term… continue reading
