Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has cautioned that without consistent implementation and political will, the newly launched Ethical Procurement and Integrity Pact could fail.
The Gauteng government launched the pact, describing it as a promising step toward fairer and more transparent public procurement.
The initiative, unveiled at a high-level business engagement in Johannesburg, is part of the province’s ongoing efforts to build accountable governance and improve access to state contracts, especially for smaller businesses.
BLSA policy and marketing executive Nompumelelo Mokou described the pact as a “bold and long overdue” move.
However, she cautioned that without consistent implementation and political will, it could fall flat.
“We welcome Premier (Panyaza) Lesufi’s decisive actions, including the removal of underperforming departmental heads. It sends a clear message that accountability must come first,” Mokou said.
Black Business Council (BBC) vice-president Gregory Mofokeng stressed the importance of mutual accountability.
“While businesses are expected to follow the rules, public servants must also have the qualifications and integrity to fulfil their duties. Ethical partnerships require competence on both sides,” Mofokeng said.
Gauteng SMME Business Forum chairperson Sizwe Dlamini said many honest entrepreneurs have been excluded from public contracts due to favouritism and corruption.
“For too long, the system has benefited the politically connected. We hope this marks a real shift. A transparent process means real competition, and that benefits the province and its people,” Dlamini said.
The provincial government has confirmed that the pact will be rolled out across all departments and public entities.
It is set to be part of a broader push for ethical reforms and improved service delivery.
If implemented effectively, the initiative could help restore public trust and give SMMEs a genuine chance to participate in the province’s economy.
The pact establishes clear standards for ethical conduct in all government contracting and builds upon previous initiatives, such as the province’s Open Tender System.
It aims to create a framework where the public and private sectors engage fairly, honestly and in the best interests of the public.
Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council executive council member and Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the initiative was a continuation of the provincial government’s long-standing commitment to clean governance.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said without a strong ethical foundation, service delivery was compromised.
For SMEs, the pact offers hope for a more level playing field.
Many have long complained about being sidelined by opaque processes, favouritism and systemic corruption.
Lebogang Madikwe, who runs a logistics business HM Transport and Logistics Bakkies and Trailer Pty Ltd in Soweto, said the pact could be transformative if properly implemented.
“This is a long-overdue step toward levelling the playing field,” Madikwe said.
“Too often, small businesses are excluded due to corrupt gatekeeping or unclear tender processes. If the government follows through, this could open real opportunities for us.”
