Our Purpose

The axiom that business cannot succeed in a society that fails is particularly relevant in a developing country like South Africa. The role of business in sustainable development is becoming increasingly important especially if they want to strengthen their competitive edge for the future. Through constructive engagement and strategic collective action business can shape the economic and social environments within which they operate.

A Track Record of Making a Difference

Key ingredients underpinning the work of the NBI have included building trust, credibility of the organisation, active engagement with members and government at various levels. Since 1995, the NBI has made a distinct impact in the spheres of housing delivery, crime prevention, local economic development, public sector capacity building, Further Education and Training (FET), schooling, public private partnerships and sustainable development.

This has been clearly demonstrated through the following initiatives:

• Setting up Business Against Crime – now an independent organisation as a unique  private sector contribution to enhanced criminal justice and crime prevention
• Initiating and serving as the managing agency of the Business Trust in its first five years - as a foundation to combine the resources of the public and private sectors to support programmes that accelerate the achievement of agreed national objectives
• Conceptualising and managing the Colleges Collaboration Fund, which has made an immense contribution to the transformation of the entire FET colleges sector
• Serving as secretariat to the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa, under the leadership of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, and mobilising business resources for human capital development
• Serving as secretariat to former President Mbeki’s Big Business Working Group, thus promoting dialogue and trust between business and government leaders
• Facilitating the signing and implementation of the Energy Efficiency Accord, as a tangible contribution of the private sector to environmental protection and enhanced competitiveness.
• Appointed as the Focal Point to the United Nations Global Compact South African Local Network to enhance the business contribution to society and our environment.
• Introducing and launching the UK Carbon Disclosure Project in South Africa to address the business implications of climate change.

Membership and Partners

The NBI owes its strength to its stable membership base who have an interest in the shared growth and development of South Africa at all levels.

Any business can join the NBI by making a voluntary contribution. Through membership of the NBI, visionary business organisations affirm their commitment to a positive role for business in society while also pursuing their individual strategies in a competitive free market economy.

Our Governance

The NBI has presented a powerful business case for companies to take seriously their positions as meaningful players in the society within which they operate.  Over the past few years it has emerged as a leading proponent of the role of business in sustainable development.  It is now focused on positioning business as a distinct but interdependent and significant contributor to society.

The NBI is committed to the highest standards of governance. It applies the core principles of accountability, integrity and transparency to all its activities.

• The NBI is governed by a Board, consisting of representatives from members companies and selected business/community leaders
• The NBI Executive Committee assists and supports the Board by providing oversight, guidelines and advice to the CEO and management
• The NBI Audit Committee provides financial oversight and monitors risk and management The Remuneration Committee is responsible for the performance of directors and for policy recognition and reward.