#BusinessBelieves in South Africa

We love this country – which is blessed with natural beauty, abundant resources and talented people.

We believe in South Africa’s future. We share the values set out in its constitution. And we say humbly: we want to play our part in ensuring that South Africa works for everyone.

That’s why on 23 August 2017, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) signed a contract with South Africa, to commit to playing our part in creating a South Africa of increasing prosperity for all by harnessing the resources and capabilities of business in partnership with government and civil society to deliver economic growth, transformation and inclusion.

Undoubtedly there will be challenges along the road to delivering this, not least cleaning our own house of the corruption that has plagued this country – but within this contract and Integrity Pledge we are clear that is the past and we will no longer accept these practices.

We cannot, however, do this alone. To fulfil this contract, the government must also step up. It must commit to creating the conditions necessary for our great country to succeed, the economy to grow and for the South Africa of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s dream – where everyone prospers – will become a reality.

#BusinessBelieves in South Africa

OUR CONTRACT WITH SOUTH AFRICA

We will do all we can to:

  • Create jobs by growing the economy
    Between 1993 and 2015, South Africa’s private sector created 2.65 million jobs. Our aim is to create even more jobs.
  • Encourage and empower senior black leadership
    Ultimately, the best way to close the opportunity gap is to invest in more businesses owned, run by, and employing black South Africans. We pledge to grow a new generation of black business leaders and entrepreneurs.
  • Invest in South Africans
    South Africa can only meet the challenges of the future with a highly-skilled workforce. We will train South African managers and workers for the challenges ahead.
  • Invest in communities
    Business owes it to South Africans to do more to ensure the communities in which they operate thrive and prosper.
  • Support small businesses
    They should be the lifeblood of our economy but too often they struggle. It is our duty to help them succeed by financing new businesses, and training and mentoring entrepreneurs for success.
  • Condemn and root out corruption
    Corruption and state capture are the cancers that are eating away at our society. They must be rooted out, crushed and punished where we find them in the public or private sector.

#BusinessBelieves government must also commit to create the conditions necessary for it to succeed, so the economy can grow. Too many bad decisions have got in the way of that.

BLSA calls on all political parties and civil society to:

  • Work with businesses to make inclusive economic growth the number one priority. Because when the economy is strong, South Africa is strong.
  • End the scandals of corruption in the public and private sector that have blighted this society.