Statements made in a recent News24 interview and in numerous online posts and public commentary have actively sought to mischaracterise and distort the work of Resolve Communications. We reject these mischaracterisations, falsehoods and distortions firmly and without reservation, and we are again setting the record straight. 

Resolve is a professional communications and public-affairs firm representing legitimate, law-abiding South African and international businesses. We are one of many such firms operating here and globally, doing work that is entirely lawful, entirely proper, and entirely necessary in a functioning democracy. Engaging government, no matter which political party happens to be in office, on behalf of clients — openly, transparently and on the merits — is not unusual or questionable. It is how business communicates with government in every democratic country in the world. To suggest otherwise is to fundamentally misunderstand, or to deliberately misrepresent, how legitimate and ethical public affairs works. 

Resolve has not acted in any of the ways that some have mistakenly and maliciously alleged online and elsewhere. Where inferences to the contrary have been drawn and published, we are taking careful note and are actively considering our legal rights. 

We hold ourselves to high ethical standards. The businesses we represent invest in this country, create jobs and contribute to its growth. We make no apology for advocating on their behalf. 

Let us be unequivocal about what our work involves and what it does not. We connect clients with the relevant parts of government and advocate publicly on the policy issues that affect them. This is a core, legitimate function of a public-affairs firm — conducted openly, on the merits, and without any attempt to improperly influence anyone.  

We assist our clients in making their case; we do not, and cannot, direct the decisions of independent ministers or officials. Every final decision rests with those independent public representatives, exactly as it should. Facilitating stakeholder engagement on matters of public policy is not a conflict of interest — it is a cornerstone of democratic participation. 

Some of our principals are former officeholders, as is the case in many other such firms. They hold no public office, no public funds and no decision-making power. The suggestion that their experience and understanding of government constitutes an improper advantage is wrong. Every professional in every field draws on their background and expertise. Public-affairs professionals are no different. Our principals’ past affiliations are publicly known, openly acknowledged and entirely proper. We engage with all parties and across government strictly on the merits of the issues our clients raise. Where our clients’ interests align with investment, jobs and growth — as they consistently do — that is a public good, not a conflict of interest. 

We are confident in the integrity of how we operate. We have nothing to hide and nothing to apologise for. We welcome scrutiny — provided it is grounded in fact, conducted fairly, and not driven by the narrow political interests of many of those making these spurious allegations.