Several chief executives of major South African companies have committed to support the National Development Plan and weed out corrupt business practices.
In an open letter published in the Sunday Times and City Press, 33 business leaders called for business and the government to work together to get the country “back on track”.
“There is a strong sense that we (South Africa) have lost momentum... Left unchecked, our country is in danger of unravelling,” the letter reads.
“As individuals who occupy positions as chairmen and CEOs... we commit to working together with government and civil society to overcome our nation's most pressing challenges.”
The letter included the names of acting Lonmin CEO Simon Scott, Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland, AngloGold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani and Telkom chairman Jabu Mabuza.
Nedbank group CEO Mike Brown, Investec CEO Stephen Koseff, Shell SA chairman and Black Management Forum president Bonang Mohale, and Business Leadership SA CEO Thero Setiloane were also named in the letter.
The letter states that the 33, in their personal capacity, committed to support the NDP to “achieve a vision for a South African economy three times the present size”, and an unemployment rate of six percent by 2030.
They urged the government to “effectively implement” existing policies.
“We commit to working together to develop the programmes needed to achieve our common vision,” the letter reads.
“(We) will promote a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery, fraud, corruption and anti-competitive business practices.”
They would also “aggressively promote” education, skills development and work-related internships.
“We want a winning nation, and call upon all South Africans to join together to create a South Africa that we can all be proud of,” the letter reads.
“This is not an exclusive campaign. We call upon all South African leaders to join us in this endeavour.” - Sapa