Black Business Council

Black Business Council
Name	Black Business Council
Formation	1990s
Type	Non-governmental organization
Purpose	Advocacy for Black-owned enterprises
Headquarters	Johannesburg
Region served	South Africa
Leader title	Chairperson
Leader name	John Kane-Berman

Black Business Council

The Black Business Council is a South African advocacy organization representing the interests of Black-owned enterprises and entrepreneurs, interacting with entities such as the African National Congress, Department of Trade and Industry (South Africa), National Treasury (South Africa), South African Reserve Bank, and Industrial Development Corporation. Founded amid transitional politics in the 1990s, it engages with institutions like the Congress of South African Trade Unions, South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Economic Development and Labour Council, and Growthpoint Properties to influence policy affecting businesses across provinces including Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

History

The council emerged during negotiations involving the South African Communist Party, African National Congress Youth League, United Democratic Front, and representatives from the Private Sector such as Anglo American plc, Sasol, MTN Group, and Nedbank Group. It traces antecedents to bodies formed after the Negotiations to End Apartheid and interacts historically with instruments like the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and programs implemented by Nelson Mandela administrations and ministers like Trevor Manuel and Pravin Gordhan. In its evolution the council engaged with events including the Rutherford Commission debates, the Mbeki presidency economic policy forums, and collaborations or disputes with entities such as Black Management Forum, South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum, and multinationals like De Beers and Gold Fields Limited.

Organization and Structure

The organization models governance with a board and secretariat reflecting structures found in institutions like Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (South Africa), and Public Investment Corporation. Leadership roles have been occupied by figures who liaise with municipal authorities in City of Johannesburg and national departments such as the Department of Small Business Development. Its committees often mirror bodies like the Competition Commission (South Africa), National Treasury's Advisory Panels, and policy units similar to those within Trade and Industry Department frameworks, engaging with consultative forums including Business Unity South Africa and provincial chambers like Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Membership and Representation

Members span sectors represented by firms such as Standard Bank, FirstRand, Old Mutual, Bidvest Group, Sibanye-Stillwater, Shoprite, Pick n Pay Stores, Discovery Limited, and Massmart. The council interfaces with sectoral associations including National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry, South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union, Federation of Unions of South Africa, and industry regulators like South African Revenue Service and Financial Sector Conduct Authority. It seeks representation among entrepreneurs from metros like eThekwini, Tshwane, and districts impacted by policies from Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and Transnet logistics planning.

Activities and Programs

Programs frequently involve partnership initiatives with banks such as ABSA Group Limited and Standard Chartered, investment vehicles like Industrial Development Corporation, and development agencies such as African Development Bank and World Bank projects in South Africa. Activities include advocacy on procurement influenced by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, capacity-building workshops echoing curricula from University of Cape Town and University of the Witwatersrand entrepreneurship centers, mentorship initiatives similar to those run by Tony Elumelu Foundation models, and conferences that attract delegates from World Economic Forum on Africa, BRICS Business Council, and International Monetary Fund missions.

Political Influence and Advocacy

The council lobbies policymakers in forums where actors include President of South Africa, Parliament of South Africa, members of the National Assembly of South Africa, and ministers from portfolios like Trade and Industry (South Africa), Finance (South Africa), and Small Business Development (South Africa). It has provided submissions to commissions resembling the Zondo Commission and engages with political stakeholders including Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, and provincial premiers. The council coordinates with trade negotiators involved in agreements with blocs like the Southern African Development Community and multilateral partners including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Controversies and Criticism

Critics, including commentators associated with publications like Business Day (South Africa), Mail & Guardian, and City Press, have questioned ties to corporates such as AngloGold Ashanti and Old Mutual and alleged uneven representation relative to organizations like Black Management Forum and South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners. Debates have involved disputes over the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act scorecards, perceived capture linked to elite networks similar to those critiqued in inquiries into Gupta family influence, and tensions with labour federations including Congress of South African Trade Unions and South African Federation of Trade Unions. Legal challenges and public hearings have referenced tribunals and courts such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa and High Court of South Africa in matters concerning procurement, transparency, and representation.

Category:Business organisations based in South Africa