Business is the answer
BUSINESS Leadership SA (BLSA) has thrown down the gauntlet to Kwazulu-natal business leaders, calling on them to commit to creating jobs. This comes at the same time as BLSA suspended the membership of KPMG .
Chief executive Bonang Mohale said the province was one of South Africa’s most important economic centres. “We are bringing to it a six-point contract with South Africa with a focus on job creation, inclusive economic growth, empowering black business leadership and crushing corruption.”
BLSA represents 80 of the country’s largest businesses and multinationals, which have signed an integrity pledge vowing zero
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tolerance on corruption and calling for the protection of whistle-blowers.
Mohale said BLSA planned to spend about R70 million nationwide this year to fulfil its six-point contract and the Integrity pledge.
“Had we transformed in the past 23 years, we would find it easy to enlist the support of the rest of the civil partners to help us to defeat state capture. There is no challenge bigger today.
“We also stand for the protection of key institutions like our constitution and all the Chapter 9 institutions in general, especially the public protector.”
He said business had to comply with existing legislation, rules and regulations. “They need to behave in a manner that upholds the rule of law, ethical leadership and enhanced morality. We cannot tolerate those who act in any fashion other than in a wholesome manner. Business is the answer, not the enemy.”
On Friday BLSA suspended the membership of auditing firm KPMG pending the outcome of an independent investigation into its involvement in state capture.
“BLSA believes the situation calls for an expeditiously managed inquiry, and full disclosure on the part of KPMG, to uncover the extent and role of individuals involved. Anyone found in breach of the law should be prosecuted.”
The association said it recognised the steps announced by KPMG to change its leadership and begin a process of cultural change.
“We cannot, however, look past the gravity of their conduct which is inconsistent with the values of BLSA. We must live by example and that starts with our own members.”
Last Friday KPMG retracted its findings in its report into the Sars investigative unit, clarifying that former finance minister Pravin Gordhan would not have known about any illegal activities.
BLSA CHALLENGES PROVINCE TO COMMIT TO JOB CREATION,WRITES