AG highlights the importance of strong public institutions at Black Business Annual Summit

AG Tsakani Maluleke recently participated in the Black Business Annual Summit hosted by the Black Business Council, where business leaders, policymakers, government representatives and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss pathways for sustainable economic growth in South Africa.

The summit focused on how economic empowerment, re-industrialisation and localisation can be leveraged to create an inclusive economy that delivers lasting opportunity and scale for businesses and communities alike.

During a panel discussion, the AG underscored the critical role that strong public institutions play in creating an environment where businesses can grow and thrive.

She noted that for small, emerging and established businesses to succeed, public institutions must effectively deliver on their mandates, while policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders across the governance ecosystem fulfil their responsibilities.

“Without strong public institutions that do what they’re supposed to do, we’re not going to be able to get there,” said the AG.

She emphasised that an enabling business environment cannot exist without institutions that operate effectively, uphold the rule of law and deliver consistent services that support economic participation and investment.

Drawing on the AGSA's audit work, the AG highlighted that the institution annually reports on the performance of public entities and government institutions, often identifying instances where organisations are not operating in accordance with the laws and prescripts that govern them.

She stressed that accountability is a shared responsibility and that citizens, businesses, professionals and public servants all have a role to play in insisting that public institutions operate within the rule of law.

According to the AG, efforts to build an inclusive and thriving economy will remain constrained if the fundamentals of governance are not addressed.

"Unless citizens, businesses and professionals insist that every public institution operates within the rule of law, efforts to drive an inclusive economy will be futile," she said.

The summit provided a valuable platform for engagement on the relationship between governance and economic development, reinforcing the importance of capable institutions in enabling entrepreneurship, investment, job creation and inclusive economic participation.

The AGSA's participation in the summit reflects its continued commitment to contributing to conversations that promote accountability, strengthen public institutions and support the creation of a better South Africa for all.