Background

After the 1999 general elections, the need for an African Bond of experienced black business leaders concerned with consolidating gains made in the first five years of democracy became quite evident. A new President had assumed office. Those opposed to meaningful transformation sought to discredit him and by transference make it impossible for assertive Black African Leadership to prevail.

The concept of having a forum where executives drawn from the black business leadership can come together to share common challenges, initiate and give rise to new ideas, and create opportunities for peers was born at a gathering of such executives at Fancourt, George, in May 2000.

The architects of the plan included leading executives. Following a period of intensive consultation for the development of the raison d'être of such a forum, the Black Business Executive Circle was launched in August 2000, with stringent membership criteria.

BBEC's mandate crystallised to become a bold voice of senior black business leaders - the new Captains of Industry. These new captains of industry sought to distinguish themselves from the status quo on the basis of their background. As sons and daughters of Africa, they come from the townships and villages of South Africa, they understand the plight of the African majority - their roots and are bound by duty and consciousness to make a difference. BBEC also sought to back-up the political mission of an African Renaissance with an Africa Business Network committed to and delivering an Economic Renaissance.

The fundamental basis upon which BBEC is formed are:

  • Significant contribution to debates / issues on the National Agenda
  • Promoting business interest amongst members
  • Networking opportunities
  • Inculcation of family values
  • Developing entrepreneurial skills
  • Develop and enhance trading relations between Africa and South Africa
  • Creating channels of communication for business and government
  • To promote peer support

Since its formation, BBEC has developed a rich heritage of key interactive engagements. commenced with its first activity in February 2001 where it hosted its members to a bosberaad on Global Leadership at Skukuza in the Kruger. The bosberaad was enormously successful as it incorporated global, African and local input.

However, the power of BBEC was truly showcased when it planned its first African mission. On the 19th of September 2001, a delegation of 48 black business leaders left South Africa for Accra, Ghana. The red carpet was rolled out for the delegation as they were hosted by the Deputy President, Ministers of Tourism, Trade & Industry, Intelligence and Finance. In addition to the political engagements, BBEC members interacted intimately with local business leaders and entrepreneurs.

This catapulted BBEC onto the international arena. In years that followed, BBEC has visited a number of regions in Africa, including:

  • EAST AFRICA
    • Kenya
    • Tanzania
  • CENTRAL AFRICA
    • Burundi
    • Uganda
  • SOUTHERN AFRICA
    • Maputo
    • Botswana
  • WEST AFRICA
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Ghana

BBEC has also played host to a number of key interactions, both locally and out of town.

One of the most significant areas of growth is the development of the Roundtable programme that BBEC has initiated. This roundtable provides members with an opportunity to have an open dialogue with leading personalities drawn from politics, business and labour in an exclusive and intimate environment.

BBEC creates the intellectual space where black business leaders can come together to challenge, debate and discuss critical issues that affect priorities on our national agenda. This enables BBEC to be the voice of the thought leaders drawn from the Black Business champions that contributes to shaping opinion and policy in an amiable environment.

The large base of members is drawn from diverse sectors of the economy. As the criteria for membership is set quite high, members are assured that they are always in the company of peers who share the same challenges, and exchange of ideas.

BBEC also plays a significant role behind the scenes to shape policy, act as a sounding board for government, negotiate on sensitive matters that may affect the national agenda and provide commentary on strategic initiatives.

The stature of the vast collective knowledge base of BBEC has led it to be the lead organisation in the Presidential Black Business Working Group which was set up to advise the President of South Africa on matters affecting this sector. The Chairman of BBEC also serves as the Chairman of the PBBWG.

BBEC is a full member of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).

At its AGM in September 2009, Mr Hlengani Mathebula was elected as the Chairman of the Executive Committee that leads the organization. Hlengani takes over the reins from his predecessor, Peter Vundla, at a critical juncture in this country's economic trajectory.

BBEC strives to be the most authoritative voice of business in South Africa today - a feat that is inevitable as it represents a membership base of high influential business leaders who will continue to drive this economy into the future.