Black Forum South Africa (Black Forum SA) is a non-partisan organisation committed to advancing unity, inclusive development and sustainable socio-economic transformation for Black communities within the framework of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
It was founded in 1996 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) by black professors and academics to advocate for black solidarity, empower marginalized black academics and address inequalities in higher education.

Rooted in an acute awareness of South Africa’s historical legacy of colonialism and apartheid, Black Forum SA recognises that structural inequalities continue to shape unequal access to land, capital, education, skills development, economic participation and institutional representation.
While meaningful progress has been made since 1994, these imbalances persist and require deliberate, coordinated and sustained intervention.
Black Forum SA exists to address these challenges through strategic collaboration and institutional development.

The organisation acknowledges that fragmented efforts and limited coordination among government, private sector stakeholders, traditional leadership, civil society and professionals have constrained the impact of initiatives aimed at advancing broad-based Black socio-economic empowerment. It therefore positions itself as a unifying platform to drive alignment, accountability and cross-sector cooperation.

Guided by the principle of Black Unity and Prosperity, Black Forum SA promotes inclusive economic growth, social cohesion and long-term national stability. It seeks to strengthen participation in the formal economy, build social capital and foster resilient institutions capable of responding to the developmental, cultural and economic needs of Black communities. The organisation is dedicated to advancing substantive equality and full citizenship through:
– Inclusive policy dialogue and advocacy
– Ethical and accountable leadership
– Economic empowerment and enterprise development
– Skills development and professional capacity building
– Institutional strengthening and governance reform

Black Forum SA actively pursues equality, justiceand constitutional compliance by advocating for fair and accountable policies, challenging systemic injustices and supporting legal and public-interest interventions where necessary. It also provides legal protection and institutional support to its members, particularly in matters relating to workplace fairness, leadership accountability and governance processes.

Adopted through collective agreement, the Constitution of Black Forum SA formalises its commitment to building a unified, capable and economically active society anchored in dignity, fairness and shared prosperity.

The Black Forum SA shall independently and/or in collaboration with other strategic formations inside and/or outside of South Africa, pursue the following:
1. Advance Equality, Justice and Constitutional Compliance
2. ⁠Promote the realisation of equality, dignity, and access to justice in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
3. ⁠Pursue strategic litigation, legal advocacy, and public-interest interventions where systemic inequality, discrimination, or injustice occurs.
4. ⁠Challenge unlawful, unfair, or exclusionary policies and practices in both the public and private sectors.
5. ⁠Advocate for the alignment of laws, policies, and institutional conduct with principles of fairness, accountability, and social justice.
6. ⁠Provide Legal Protection and Institutional Support
7. ⁠Provide legal assistance and support to affiliated members in relation to labour disputes, workplace unfairness, and employment-related injustices.
8. ⁠Provide legal support to affiliated members in leadership or executive roles who face unfair treatment, victimisation, or procedurally defective disciplinary or compliance processes.
9. ⁠Promote ethical governance, procedural fairness, and lawful decision-making within institutions.
10. ⁠Develop Skills, Leadership and Professional Capacity.
11. ⁠Establish training academies, colleges, and development programmes focused on:
– Leadership and executive development;
– Entrepreneurship and enterprise development;
– Technology, innovation, and digital transformation (4IR/5IR);
– Governance, compliance, and institutional ethics;
– Professional readiness and workplace competence;
– Cultural knowledge and heritage education; and
– Agricultural development and sustainability.