The South African Business Forum (SABF) and the South African High Commission in Botswana have signed on the dotted line for a new Code of Good Business Practice to govern all their aligned companies.
SABF encapsulates most companies originating in South Africa that operate in Botswana, as well as some local companies which wish to take their operations to SA. The SABF currently comprises 22 companies.
SABF chairman, Werner De Beer, said the new Code of Good Business Practice is a significant milestone which aims to certify that companies from SA that operate in Botswana do stay on the right side of the law and act in the best interests of local citizens.
“We are gathered here today to pledge our support by way of signatures to the SA Department of Trade and Industry’s guidelines of Good Business Practices for SA companies operating outside the borders of SA,” De Beer said.
He added: “The signing is endorsed by the High Commission as they have a mandate to ensure that South African businesses operating in territories outside SA conduct themselves as good citizens in the respective countries.’
The principles that will guide the business from SA in Botswana include compliance with domestic legislation and fair business practices, adherence to the UN Global Compact, respect for human rights, fair labour practices, good corporate governance, environmental responsibility, sustainable business practices and occupational health and safety, among others.
South African High Commission to Botswana, Thaniga Shope-Soumah, stated that the initiative could have not come at a better time as Botswana and SA in 2024 are celebrating three decades of diplomatic relations.
