THE Black Business Council has flayed Nedbank chairman Reuel Khoza, accusing him of using "sophisticated, yet uncharacteristically uncouth corporate language in his attack" on political leadership in South Africa.
In his company's annual report, Khoza said in part that "our political leadership's moral quotient is degenerating and we are fast losing the checks and balances that are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the past ..."
The spokesman for the BBC, Sandile Zungu, said the council was not convinced of the wisdom of choosing to use the medium of the Nedbank annual report, a publicly-listed company, to launch a full frontal assault on political leadership, in government or elsewhere.
"We believe that the grave reservations that Nedbank may harbour about how our country is led, could have been raised more constructively in its regular engagements with the Registrar of Banks and Treasury, and perhaps through the associations that it is ultimately affiliated to," Zungu said.
Government spokesman Jimmy Manyi said Khoza's comments had showed "disingenuousness, and that his books aren't exactly balanced".
In defending himself, Khoza said that in a participatory democracy, debate and discussion on substantive issues heighten awareness of the many needs we have to address in the socioeconomic, business and political spheres, which are vital for society as a whole.
Support for Khoza has come from among others IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who said: "One could just as well say that all those well-connected ANC leaders who are involved in business should get out of politics. Politics and business are interwoven. Whatever is done in one sphere has an impact on the other."
Other businessmen have added their views on the matter. According to the Sunday Times yesterday, Banking Association of SA managing director Cas Coovadia said should Nedbank lose business because of Khoza's stern, critical point of view, "that would be a sad day for SA".
Anglo Gold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifan said debate over the country's future should be carried out in an engaging and constructive manner rather than a hostile one.
Massmart CEO Grant Pattison said Khoza must have struck a nerve and "came too close to the truth".
Pick n Pay chairman Gareth Ackerman said any individuals should feel free to express an opinion on the nation's affairs.
Nedbank chairman Reuel Khoza faces further criticism
THE Black Business Council has flayed Nedbank chairman Reuel Khoza, accusing him of using "sophisticated, yet uncharacteristically uncouth corporate language in his attack" on political leadership in South Africa.
In his company's annual report, Khoza said in part that "our political leadership's moral quotient is degenerating and we are fast losing the checks and balances that are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the past ..."
The spokesman for the BBC, Sandile Zungu, said the council was not convinced of the wisdom of choosing to use the medium of the Nedbank annual report, a publicly-listed company, to launch a full frontal assault on political leadership, in government or elsewhere.
"We believe that the grave reservations that Nedbank may harbour about how our country is led, could have been raised more constructively in its regular engagements with the Registrar of Banks and Treasury, and perhaps through the associations that it is ultimately affiliated to," Zungu said.
Government spokesman Jimmy Manyi said Khoza's comments had showed "disingenuousness, and that his books aren't exactly balanced".
In defending himself, Khoza said that in a participatory democracy, debate and discussion on substantive issues heighten awareness of the many needs we have to address in the socioeconomic, business and political spheres, which are vital for society as a whole.
Support for Khoza has come from among others IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who said: "One could just as well say that all those well-connected ANC leaders who are involved in business should get out of politics. Politics and business are interwoven. Whatever is done in one sphere has an impact on the other."
Other businessmen have added their views on the matter. According to the Sunday Times yesterday, Banking Association of SA managing director Cas Coovadia said should Nedbank lose business because of Khoza's stern, critical point of view, "that would be a sad day for SA".
Anglo Gold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifan said debate over the country's future should be carried out in an engaging and constructive manner rather than a hostile one.
Massmart CEO Grant Pattison said Khoza must have struck a nerve and "came too close to the truth".
Pick n Pay chairman Gareth Ackerman said any individuals should feel free to express an opinion on the nation's affairs.
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