There are strong perceptions that many South African companies working in elsewhere in Africa come across as arrogant, disrespectful, aloof and careless in their attitude towards local business communities, work seekers and even governments.

"This is of great concern," Public Enterprises Minister Jeff Radebe told the Forum 150 Conference on stability, poverty reduction and South African trade and investment in southern Africa in Pretoria on Monday.

Radebe said he had made a call to African countries to feel free to approach the government to ensure that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) --under his control -- do not become the "new imperialists".

"We trust that most in the private sector would agree with our approach," he said.

Radebe noted that Salim Ahmed Salim, former secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity and now head of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation had said it "may be appropriate to devise mechanisms for ensuring that investments are directed towards areas of higher social benefits and promoting sustainable development".

He said he hoped Salim's fears and hopes "find careful reflection in the board rooms of South African companies".

"In our own small way, we have instructed our state-owned enterprises to conduct their business in Africa with the utmost probity and with irreproachable ethics," said Radebe.

"In countries where they operate they must consciously and deliberately promote employment, particularly of women and the disabled, help develop small and medium enterprises, procure goods and services, and work alongside communities at all times to secure their well being."

Radebe said he has suggested a special Code of Conduct for South African SOEs working in Africa.

"Another has been the suggestion that all SOEs operating in Africa should report regularly to Parliament." - Sapa