Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) was formed in October 2003 and began operating in January 2004. This created the first representative and unified organisation for business in South Africa. Today, through its extensive membership base, BUSA represents the private sector being the largest federation of business organisations in terms of GDP and employment contribution.
BUSA is a non-profit company representing cross-cutting organised business interests in South Africa. BUSA consists of approximately 35 organisational members representing:
- Unisectorals
- Corporate representative organisations
- Chambers of commerce & industry
- Professional organisations.
There are also 22 corporate members constituting a board of trustees.
BUSA REPRESENTS BUSINESS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF BODIES, GROUPS AND PROCESSES.
As the apex organised business entity representing South African business, BUSA is the formally recognised representative of business at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). At NEDLAC, business interacts with various government departments, organised labour and the community constituency across a variety of NEDLAC structures. BUSA also represents business on bilateral processes and in the Presidential Business Working Groups. BUSA and many of its members participate in the CEO Initiative. BUSA serves as a social partner in the national policy development and social dialogue process, and nominates representatives to sit on statutory and advisory bodies on behalf of business. BUSA engages through these structures, as well as bilaterally with government, organised labour and other key stakeholders. In addition, BUSA makes submissions in Parliament, and to other structures and processes in line with the BUSA strategic drivers. Through BUSA, members are able to participate in cross-cutting strategic priority issues of interest to all of business.
