One month into 2022 and South Africa still faces enormous challenges, with loadshedding and the lack of service delivery playing key roles in the economic forecast for the year. Less restrictive lockdown regulations and a rise in vaccination rates are positive contributors which could be beneficial to the recovering economy.

Also read: South Africa, rejoice in who we are with #ThisIsUs

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) remains committed and positive in their vision to facilitate economic transformation and help build social cohesion in the country.

The four key elements driving its initiatives include:

1. Enabling a transformation culture in business through systemic initiatives and developing a research base that demonstrates the economic value of diversity.
2. Supporting enterprise development through industry development programmes.
3. Developing skills for current and future business needs.
4. Promoting employment, particularly of the youth.

It is a strategic imperative for businesses to create an inclusive, globally competitive economy that would benefit all South Africans, regardless of race, gender or age. Transformation, which broadens and deepens economic benefit and participation, is the best way to facilitate South Africa’s growth and development. As part of its commitment to support ethical and sound business principles, the Busa board convened on January 10, to reflect on the findings of Judge Zondo’s report. Busa has indicated that it will urgently engage with its members and utilise the report for very serious introspection.

“We believe the recommendations in the report relating to investigations and prosecution of identified parties, must be pursued with urgency and we expect the criminal justice system to allocate the necessary resources to ensure speedy investigations and prosecution,” CEO Cas Coovadia stated in a press release.

As part of Busa’s vision to support a better SA for all, the organisation will investigate initiatives to support and bolster the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Busa honours the commitment and tenacity of local businesses which have clawed their way back from a two-year economic slump due to the Covid-19 impact and additional factors such as the protest actions last year. The organisation remains dedicated to helping create and sustain a better country and business environment in SA.