The appointment of state-capture-accused consultancy firm McKinsey and Co Africa by the G20’s official private-sector engagement group, has placed it in the crosshairs of the presidency, with president Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that the B20 reconsider its decision.
The B20 will bring together global business perspectives to influence G20 deliberations and outcomes. The B20 serves as a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate and forge partnerships that aim to drive economic growth globally.
SA currently chairs the G20.
Earlier this month, McKinsey agreed to pay $122m to resolve criminal accusations tied to state capture including the bribing of Eskom and Transnet in exchange for lucrative tenders. The agreement by the consultancy firm resolved both a US investigation and charges brought against the consultancy by SA’s National Prosecuting Authority.
“The presidency has noted with concern the recent appointments of McKinsey as a supporting partner to the B20, the business engagement group that meets on the sidelines of the G20 and co-ordinates the participation of business in the G20,” a statement from Ramaphosa’s office said.
While the presidency or government has no control over the B20 processes, it does not endorse the appointment of McKinsey in this regard.
“While the presidency or government has no control over the B20 processes, it does not endorse the appointment of McKinsey in this regard.”
“The president wouldn't meet business over this issue alone. However, the expectation is that business will on their own resolve this issue by reconsidering the appointment of the two firms,” Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, told Business Day.
When approached for comment, B20’s sherpa, Cas Coovadia, declined to comment saying it would only do so after engaging the president on the matter.
“The B20 SA opening event will take place on February 24-25 in Cape Town, with task forces deliberating on policy recommendations and side events hosted by global network partners throughout the year, and culminating at the B20 Summit in November 2025, ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg,” the B20 said.
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