Press Statements

THE BLACK MANAGEMENT FORUM ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS GALA DINNER 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa; 10 October 2018

The Black Management Forum (the BMF) is hosting its Annual Conference on Thursday, 11 October at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. The Annual Conference brings together a number of executives, senior managers, government officials and business leaders from all provinces to meet and discuss, under a specific theme, current issues affecting the socio-economic transformation landscape and the further development of South Africa. These issues are critical, pertinent, provocative and require intense interrogation by leaders and managers today. The Conference aims to engage government, civil society and business leaders to finding solutions to these issues.

The 2018 Conference theme is: Ethical Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth.

The BMF is a product and architect of transformation. However, thematically speaking in the context of the chosen theme, transformation needs to be fast-tracked and accelerated at a higher pace in the country. This high paced palpitation cannot be achieved without leadership; therefore, a certain kind of leadership is needed to usher in the much-needed transformation. With the advent of deep-seated corruption both in the private and public sectors and society in general, this leadership needs to be of a certain quality. Therefore, this leadership that is needed must be ethical in its temperament and construct. Ethical in its thought and application; ethical in its compassion in understanding the intricacies of transformation and sensitive to the realities of institutional racism; ethical in executing justice, fairness and equity. This will lead to shaping a new society whose outcomes will be shared and celebrated as a national pride.

The Conference is bifurcated into five sessions, each with a specific subtheme, that will be interrogated and deliberated on. The subthemes, pertinent to Ethical Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth are namely: The Impact of Land Expropriation on Economic Growth; The Relevance of the South African Reserve Bank Mandate and its Response to the Socio-Economic Reality; What has been the Impact of Leadership on Corporate and SOCs’ Governance and Corruption?; The Significance of FDIs in Inclusive Economic Growth: The EU Case Study and the BMF Stalwarts’ Corner of Wisdom. Political leaders, business leaders, corporate executives and BMF stalwarts have confirmed to participate as panellists to address, tackle and lead the discussions in formulating solutions to these critical socio-economic issues.

The Gauteng Premier, David Makhura will deliver the opening address. Some of the speakers who will address the Conference are: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform (The Impact of Land Expropriation on Economic Growth); Economic Freedom Fighters National Chairperson, Adv Dali Mpofu (The Impact of Land Expropriation on Economic Growth); Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni (What has been the Impact of Leadership on Corporates and SOCs’ Governance and Corruption?); Section 27 Executive Director, Mark Heywood (What has been the Impact of Leadership on Corporates and SOCs’ Governance and Corruption?); Economic Advisor to President Ramaphosa, Trudi Makhaya (The Relevance of the South African Reserve Bank Mandate and its Response to the Socio-Economic Reality); Standard Bank South Africa CEO, Lungisa Fuzile (What has been the Impact of Leadership on Corporates and SOCs’ Governance and Corruption?); European Union Ambassador to South Africa, Marcus Cornaro (The Significance of FDIs in Inclusive Economic Growth: The EU Case Study); Founding President of the BMF, Eric Mafuna (The BMF Stalwarts’ Corner of Wisdom).

On Friday, 12 October 2018, the BMF will be electing a new Presidency at the Annual General Meeting.

The BMF will also host its Annual Achievement Awards Dinner on Friday, 12 October 2018 at Gallagher Convention Centre. The Achievement Awards Dinner honours and recognises the BMF’s exceptional achievers and leaders that contribute to the advancement of transformation and managerial leadership development. The Dinner has been a major networking event on the South

African business calendar, bringing together up to 800 high profile guests from both the private and public sectors. The Dinner is also a social gathering that enables the development of a positive economic state.

BMF members and non-members are invited to attend the Conference. For more information, please contact Bonani Mthembu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Members of the media are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Anele Ndlovu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Black Management Forum Condemns the Hijacking and Kidnapping of PRASA Board Chairperson

Johannesburg, South Africa; 9 July 2018 

The Black Management Forum (the BMF) condemns the hijacking and kidnapping of PRASA Board Chairperson Khanyisile Kweyama. The BMF views the hijacking and kidnapping as criminal acts and strong action should be taken against those behind these acts. This investigation must be top priority for law enforcement agencies.

The hijacking and kidnapping were deliberate acts aimed at intimidating Ms Kweyama who is working hard in changing the current instability, ineffectiveness and inefficiency at PRASA. Ms Kweyama is known to lead and serve with integrity. As the SABC’s interim Board Chair, she was decisive and clear about the direction the SABC needed to take moving forward. She has brought this clarity and decisiveness to PRASA which should be welcomed.

These scare tactics are aimed at derailing the investigation of maladministration, corruption and state capture at PRASA. There are many who are opposed to the investigation and have now turned to senseless criminal acts to disrupt the investigation and progress in turning the entity around.

Ms Kweyama and her Board should be left to do their work without interference and to ensure that PRASA practices good corporate governance and that its leaders are accountable.

Funeral Service for the Late Former Black Management Forum Deputy President, Gavin Pieterse

Johannesburg, South Africa; 20 June 2018

On Saturday, 16 June 2018, the country woke up to the sad news of the passing of Mr Gavin Pieterse. Mr Pieterse passed away on Friday, 15 June 2018.

Mr Pieterse served the Black Management Forum (the BMF) with pride in its endeavours to influence the country’s socio-economic transformation in the interest of justice, fairness and equity. Mr Pieterse was the Chairperson of the BMF in the Western Cape and member of the BMF Board. He served as the Deputy President during the late Dr Lot Ndlovu’s Presidency. He also deputised President Ramaphosa in the BEE Commission.

To celebrate his life and contribution to society, the Pieterse family request the honour of your presence at the funeral service:

Date: Saturday, 23 June 2018

Time: 13h30 – 16h00

Venue: Parktown North Methodist Church


A private burial ceremony will take place after the funeral service.

The Black Management Forum Corporate Update Gala Dinner 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa; 11 June 2018

On Friday, 8 June 2018, the Black Management Forum (the BMF) hosted its Annual Corporate Update Gala Dinner. The Corporate Update Gala Dinner is a platform for the organisation to celebrate its existence and relevance as well as to engage and share its progress with the private and public sectors. The Dinner was attended by over 700 high profile guests from the private and public sector. The programme was directed with poise and grace by CNBC Africa anchor Nozipho Mbanjwa. Bongi Mvuyana and her band provided the entertainment which had guests on their feet and singing along to golden oldies. 

This year, the Dinner was celebrated under the theme: Ethical Leadership as a Catalyst for Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth. The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan. “The process of transformation is not easy; it is a contested terrain. Transformation requires leaders to take a stand at the frontline of the contest,” said Minister Gordhan.

In his welcoming remarks, the BMF President Mncane Mthunzi stressed the importance of ethical leadership especially at this current stage in our country. “We need ethical leadership to be anchored in transformation and in unlocking inclusivity to drive a growing economy. We need a leadership that protects the dignity of all its people, including those that with it. We need a leadership that loves its people and that puts them first,” commented Mthunzi.

The main sponsors of the BMF, 3Sixty Financial Services Group Chief Executive Officer, Khandani Msibi and Standard Bank Group Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala also addressed the guests. They spoke to the theme as well as the relevance of their relationship and partnership with the BMF.

The BMF Managing Director, Thabile Wonci presented the corporate update. The corporate update is a channel used by the organisation to share its’ highlights, progress and work completed in the previous financial year. The update is also a platform for corporate sponsors and members to see where their financial and non-financial support and partnership have gone to.

Alongside the corporate update, the BMF bestowed the BMF Black Excellence Leadership Awards on South Africans whom it recognises for their business acumen and outstanding leadership and professionalism in their respective industries.  The recipients of the 2018 BMF Black Excellence Leadership Awards were Deputy Auditor-General, Tsakani Ratsela, Economic Freedom Fighter National Chairperson, Adv Dali Mpofu and retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke. 

Ms Ratsela received the award for being a visionary leader, a transformation agent and personifying excellence.  Her commitment to ethics and good governance resonates with the BMF’s position on corporate governance and ethics. She is a shining example of a BMF type of leader.

Adv Dali Mpofu was bestowed the award as his excellence matches the BMF’s expectation of black leaders. He was recognised for being a consistent professional and for the embodiment of excellence in the legal fraternity.

Former Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke received the BMF’s highest honour, the BMF Presidential Award. The BMF honoured Justice Moseneke for his accomplished and impeccable career. His professional conduct, thorough execution of his responsibilities and his dedication to serving South Africa’s democracy in a variety of ways have been a source of inspiration to the BMF, many black professionals and the rest of society.

The BMF is proud to be associated with the awardees who committed their unwavering support to the organisation as the BMF continues to advocate for socio-economic transformation and the development of managerial leadership.

THE BLACK MANAGEMENT FORUM ANNUAL CORPORATE UPDATE GALA DINNER 2018: ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AS A CATALYST FOR TRANSFORMATION AND INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Johannesburg, South Africa; 5 June 2018 

The Black Management Forum (the BMF) will celebrate its existence and relevance by hosting its Annual Corporate Update Gala Dinner on Friday, 8 June 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The BMF continues to be fully committed to the pursuit of excellence in all spheres of business. It is for this reason that the organisation continues to host the Corporate Update Gala Dinner, a platform for it to celebrate, engage and share its progress with Corporate South Africa, State-owned Enterprises and Government. The Gala Dinner is a major networking event on the South African business calendar, bringing together up to 800 high profile guests from the private and the public sector. It is also a social gathering that enables the development of a positive economic state. The evening is thematically driven, to focus our minds on current matters engulfing our country and interpreted through the prism of the BMF. The keynote address will be delivered by the Honourable Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.

Alongside the corporate update that will be delivered, the BMF bestows Black Excellence Leadership Awards on South Africans in recognition of their business acumen and outstanding leadership and professionalism in their industries. In the past two years, the following have been the recipients of these awards: Advocate Thuli Madonsela, Sipho Nkosi, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, Nolitha Fakude and Tembinkosi Bonakele. This year, three outstanding South Africans will once again be recognised. The names of the 2018 Awardees will be announced at the Gala Dinner.

This year the Corporate Update Dinner will be celebrated under the theme Ethical Leadership as A Catalyst for Transformation and Inclusive Economic Growth.  The BMF is a product and architect of transformation. However, thematically speaking in the context of this chosen theme, transformation needs to be fast-tracked and accelerated at a higher pace in our country. This high paced palpitation cannot be achieved without leadership; therefore, a certain kind of leadership is needed to usher in the much-needed transformation. With the advent of deep-seated corruption both in the private and public sectors and society in general, this leadership needs to be of a certain quality. Therefore, this leadership that is needed must be ethical in its temperament and construct. Ethical in its thought and application, ethical in its compassion in understanding the intricacies of transformation and sensitive to the realities of institutional racism. Ethical in executing justice, fairness and equity. This will lead to shaping a new society whose outcomes will be shared and celebrated as a national pride.  

Unquestionably, everything begins and ends with leadership. The greater the challenges at a leadership level, the greater the societal challenges, therefore, we need ethical leadership to be anchored in transformation and unlocking inclusivity to drive a growing economy. A leadership that protects the dignity of all involved, including those that differ with it. The soul of leadership must return, for South Africa deserves a leadership that is consumed by its development and ensures success.