BEN-Africa hosts ISBEE World Congress 2008
15 – 18 July 2008
Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa

The recently held ISBEE (International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics) World Congress 2008 was a great success and introduced many delegates from other continents to BEN-Africa and its activities. In addition to the discussions and debate which always characterises our conferences it provided for the building of inter-continental networks as it became clear that the issues of ethics in Africa are similar to those faced in certain other regions in the world.

In addition to the 98 papers presented at the congress a number of panel discussions were also held. Members wishing to obtain access to the congress programme and the papers can visit the ISBEE website at www.isbee.org

The BEN-Africa constitution requires that a general assembly of the members of BEN-Africa be held every four years, and this was done on Thursday 17 July 2008. The business of the general assembly included the president’s (Prof. Piet Naudé) report on the activities of BEN-Africa which specifically mentioned the annual conferences and increased activities of local chapters of BEN-Africa. The editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics (AJoBE), Prof. Leon van Vuuren, reported on the journals’ accreditation and reiterated the need for submissions. Members are encouraged to visit the journal’s website (www.benafrica.org/ajobe) and to submit papers for consideration. The secretary general, Korien Sander, reported on the administrative and financial affairs of BEN-Africa. The general assembly reappointed the current auditors and the audited financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2008 can be accessed by clicking here.

At last year’s conference Prof. Piet Naudé presented the first of his President’s Awards for a sustained contribution to business ethics in Africa to Prof. Johannes Kinfu. Prof. Kinfu received the certificate at this time, and further awards were made to Prof. Deon Rossouw, Prof. Leon van Vuuren and Korien Sander.

Prof. Johan Hattingh of the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa was elected as president of BEN-Africa. Prof. Piet Naudé will now serve as Immediate Past President and Daniel Malan (South Africa) agreed to the role of Secretary General. The other EXCO members are Saret Britz (South Africa), Slaca Grace Chella (Zimbabwe), Dr. Kabiru Isa Dandago (Nigeria), Prof. Johannes Kinfu (Ethiopia) and Suzette Viviers (South Africa).