NBI Launches Ethical Business Coalition Project To Empower SMMEs, Foster A Multistakeholder Collaboration And Disrupt Corruption In South Africa

Why This Matters

South Africa’s SMMEs—employing over 50% of the workforce—are crippled by opaque tenders, compliance burdens, and unethical gatekeepers. According to the National Treasury, R27 billion is lost annually to procurement fraud and 40% of SMMEs failing bids due to unfair processes, the NBI’s project offers practical, business-led solutions:

• SMME Research Report: Insights into barriers and challenges facing small businesses in ethical practices.
• “Tips and Tales” Guide: Learning and capacity building through knowledge sharing and real-world cases to build sustainable strategies, navigate bid rigging and compliance pitfalls.
• E-Learning Platform: Continuous learning to turn ethics into a competitive edge.
• Integrity Talks Podcast – Candid discussions with industry leaders (Sappi Southern Africa, Aurex Constructors and bp Southern Africa) on sharing best practice and rooting out corruption.

Who’s Behind It?

The NBI—one of South Africa’s most trusted business coalitions—unites top corporates to transform policy into action.

This isn’t theory: it’s an – impact focused approach to embed a culture of ethics and integrity

1. Compliance, Authentication and Registration – Minimising systemic bottlenecks.
2. Procurement Practices – Rewarding ethics over connections.
3. Whistleblowing – Protecting those who expose fraud.
4. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Breaking supply chain monopolies.
5. Sustainability – Aligning profit with long-term social good.

Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of NBI: “Corruption isn’t just unethical—it’s bad for business. By empowering SMMEs with the right tools, we are unlocking growth for thousands of enterprises that form the backbone of South Africa’s economy.”

The NBI, South Africa’s leading business collective coalition, brings three decades of policy influence and corporate partnerships to ensure this project delivers real impact—not just talk.

Media Contact: Nabeelah Khan, Communications Manager National Business Initiative (NBI) +27 73 528 6614 | NabeelahK@nbi.org.za | www.nbi.org.za.