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1. ON THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA)

The Black Business Council takes pride in the strides that South Africa has made during the past 20 years towards the inclusion of black people in the mainstream economy.
We welcome the President's stated commitment towards the support for black industrialists, who will be involved in the productive sectors of the economy.

We welcome the President's specific mention of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as having specific roles to play in funding black business, which (lack of access to funding) remains the bugbear of aspiring black entrepreneurs.
Similarly, the BBC recommits itself to working both with government and labour to growing the economy, reducing unemployment, fighting poverty and bridging the ever-widening inequalities in South Africa.

2. THE FORTHCOMING PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS

Sometime in March or April, the BBC will create a broad platform, which will afford all mainstream political parties that have a positive predisposition towards broad-based black economic empowerment, an opportunity to present the economic aspects of their election manifestos to the membership of the BBC.

2. THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL

On Wednesday, 19 March 2014, in Johannesburg, the BBC will hold the elective Annual General Meeting wherein all elected positions shall be contested democratically.
Since it's official relaunch in March 2012, the BBC has grown both in stature and more than doubled its membership. We have set itself a task of becoming the authentic nucleus of the future representative of organised business in South Africa. Yes, we will!

3. THE RESIGNATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

With effect from 1 March 2014, Mr Xolani Qubeka, the chief executive of the BBC will be no longer in the employ of the BBC.
The BBC owes a lot of gratitude to Xolani Qubeka for guiding the organisation during its formative stage. We are glad that he will not be lost to the BBC community as he will be joining REDISA (in an executive capacity), which is one of our affiliate members.
Leadership Unlimited has commenced in earnest with the task of leading the search for the chief executive of the BBC. Announcements will be made in due course.