BLSA to fight 'falsehoods of white monopoly capital'
Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) launched a campaign to counter what it calls "the smear campaign against white monopoly capital by Bell Pottinger".
Speaking in Alexandra, BLSA CEO Bonang Mohale said the campaign did untold damage to the private sector's reputation.
"The legacy of the ugly and deceitful white monopoly capital campaign sought to blame business for all the problems that beset this country. Recent leaks have made clear what a dishonest campaign this was, and how it tried to deflect from the real issues of state capture. This campaign did damage to business' reputation, so it is important that we put this right and show business for what it is."
BLSA says it is committed to rooting out corruption in the private sector, while at the same time creating jobs and building an inclusive economy.
"Yes, there are businessmen who are paid too much. Yes, business leadership in this country is still white and male. Yes, there are business who have engaged in corrupt activities and yes, large corporations are seen as not supporting small and black-owned business. These are the challenges we as CEO's must and are prepared to confront," said Mohale.