Business Unity South Africa
 | |
| Nickname | BUSA |
|---|---|
| Established | 2003 |
| Merger of | Business South Africa and the South African Chamber of Business |
| Type | Nonprofit trade association |
| Registration no. | 2014/042417/08[1] |
| Headquarters | Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa[2] |
Region served | South Africa |
| Members | 65 (2026) |
Official language | English |
Key people | Mxolisi Mgojo (President) Khulekani Mathe (CEO) |
| Affiliations | Business at OECD International Organization of Employers Business Unity Africa |
| Website | busa |
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) is the largest trade association in South Africa, representing numerous large local companies, and industry-based trade organisations. Essentially, BUSA can be thought of as a trade association for trade associations, representing South African business as a whole. Its stated aim is to influence policy development to enable an environment for inclusive economic growth and employment in South Africa.
Founded in 2003, BUSA is a nonprofit, and is headquartered in Sandton, Gauteng.
The organisation is akin to international counterparts such as BusinessEurope, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of Australia, and the Confederation of British Industry.
With 65 members as of mid-2026, BUSA represents most of SA's largest companies, and is the country's largest federation of business organisations in terms of GDP and employment contributions.
History
BUSA was founded in October 2003, through a merger of Business South Africa and the South African Chamber of Business. It commenced operations the following year.[3]
In 2025, BUSA hosted the B20 Summit. The B20 is an annual global business forum that serves as the official dialogue between the G20 and the global business community.[4]
Operations
The organisation serves to represent South African business as a whole, and is the officially recognised business representative at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). BUSA interfaces with the South African Government, makes submissions to Parliament and other bodies, as well as represents South African business on numerous state institution boards and global organisations. These include the SADC Private Sector Forum, Business Africa, the B20, and the International Organisation of Employers.[5][6][7][8]
Members
BUSA's members include trade associations, chambers of commerce and industry, professional organisations, and associate members. As of mid-2026, BUSA has a total of 65 members. The organisation's policy allows for a maximum of 16 corporate members. The organisation represents most of SA's largest companies.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ "CIPC Bizportal - BUSA Search". Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
- ↑ "Transport Forum - BUSA". Transport Forum. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Business Unity SA eager to work with Black Business Council". Mail & Guardian. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "B20 South Africa 2025". B20 South Africa. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "BUSA - Homepage". BUSA. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ Nicola Nattrass and Jeremy Seekings (January 2010). "State, Business and Growth in Post-Apartheid South Africa" (PDF). Research Program Consortium for Improving Institutions for Pro-Poor Growth. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "Polity - Business Unity South Africa". Polity. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ "President Cyril Ramaphosa: Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) AGM". The Government of South Africa. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
- ↑ Rob Rose (19 June 2024). "Investors cheer as Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in as South Africa's president". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 July 2026.