About Us

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) is an independent, influential association representing the leaders of some of South Africa’s largest and most prominent companies, including foreign multinationals and major JSE-listed and unlisted organisations. Our members play a vital role in the economy.

According to research, BLSA members:


  • Directly contribute 27.5% of South Africa’s GDP, rising to 34,7% when including indirect and induced effects
  • Directly employ 2.5 million people, with the total employment impact reaching 3.6 million, accounting for 16.7% of formal sector employment
  • Spend R310 billion on remuneration
  • Make a significant contribution to the national fiscus through corporate, personal and indirect taxes.

Our Mission and Vision

BLSA serves as the authoritative voice of South Africa’s large businesses and acts as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, grounded in ethical leadership and robust institutions.


BLSA works on behalf of its members to formulate and express views on macro-economic and other issues of national interest, while promoting, domestically and internationally, the interests and growth of South Africa’s private sector.


Through BLSA, business leaders actively engage with key players in government, civil society, and labour to foster constructive dialogue, exchange ideas, drive inclusive socio-economic development, and contribute to a prosperous future for all South Africans.


Our purpose is to build an environment in which globally competitive and nationally responsible companies can prosper and to ensure that business is a force for positive change.


“Making South Africa good for Business and making Business good for South Africa” captures BLSA’s core purpose. It reflects the interconnected and mutually reinforcing relationship between social progress and business success in South Africa. In the long run, neither can thrive without the other. Sustainable economic growth depends on inclusive development, and real social advancement requires a vibrant and responsible business sector.


BLSA promotes free and fair private enterprise, with the highest ethical standards, through initiatives that are underpinned by the belief that sound/proven economic management, fiscal, monetary, manufacturing, and trade policies are fundamental for a successful South Africa.


As an organisation we focus on three core activities

Advancing a modern, inclusive and growing economy

Upholding the constitution and protecting the integrity of the state institutions

Demonstrating that business is a national asset and is central in addressing poverty, unemployment, economic injustice, and transformation.

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Integrity Pledge

Business believes that it is a catalyst for South Africa’s inclusive growth, transformation, and development of a strong society. We recognise that we have both rights and responsibilities. South Africa is strong when business is strong. A South Africa that is good for business attracts investment; has markets that function effectively; and political, social and economic conditions that create stability and certainty. This provides a platform for businesses both small and big to thrive, be they privately-owned, state-owned or foreign-owned firms. All have their role to play in building a South Africa that creates prosperity for all by delivering jobs and inclusive growth.

Corruption is the cancer that eats away at this country. BLSA expects the highest ethical standards of its members to not only comply with the laws of the country, but also to root out corruption and demand higher standards across the public and private sectors.


BLSA is committed to transformation within the business sector and supporting black-owned and managed supplier businesses. BLSA embraces transformation that gives weight to substance over form and that acknowledges the role of business as a positive force for society.