The evolving role of business in contributing to social justice in South Africa in terms of legislative measures

Abstract

Apartheid in South Africa has burdened the nation with high levels of poverty, illiteracy and other forms of social and economic inequ ality. The resultan t challenges included discrimination on grounds of race and gender, which prevented much of the population from fair opportunities for business ownership and management, and securing senior j obs, as well as obtaining access to goods and services. Many businesses were closed to Black people and separate and inferior facilities were provided for them. Further, workplace discrimination was su pported by the law.This article uses a descriptive approach to reveal, particularly in terms of the legislative measures introduced, the social responsibility of business in a transforming society, more especially the transformation of the historically disadv antaged communities.