Statements made in a recent media report in News24 have regrettably mischaracterised the work we do at Resolve Communications, especially as it relates to the work we have done for FMD Response SA, and we feel it is important in the circumstances to correct the record.  

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. Engaging government on behalf of clients — openly and on the merits — is a normal and necessary part of a functioning economy and democracy. We hold ourselves to high ethical standards, we operate transparently, and the businesses we represent invest in this country, create jobs and contribute to its growth.  

In April 2026 we were approached, in the normal course of business, by FMD Response SA — an agricultural organisation representing more than 250 farmers — to support communication on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, an animal-health and economic crisis with direct consequences for farmers, food security, exports and rural jobs.   

Our role was to help FMD Response SA communicate legitimate concerns clearly and responsibly on a matter of genuine national importance. Throughout, FMD Response acted constructively and in a non-personal, non-litigious manner, always with a view to finding solutions to this devastating disease outbreak through public and private sector cooperation.  

Helping an affected industry communicate effectively about a serious crisis is proper and professional public communication — it is what affected industries are entitled to do. Connecting clients with the relevant parts of government and advocating publicly on the policy issues that affect them, are both ordinary, legitimate functions of a public affairs firm — and we do them openly, as many firms do. There is nothing surprising or improper in it. Facilitating engagement on pending legislation or regulatory changes is a normal and necessary part of democratic policymaking, and we make no apology for helping lawful businesses participate transparently, as corporate citizens, in processes that concern them.  

We assist our clients in advocating their concerns; we do not — and cannot — direct the decisions of independent ministers. We engage government openly and on the merits, and the final decisions rest entirely with independent public representatives.   

Some of our principals are former officeholders. They hold no public office, no public funds and no decision-making power. Bringing public affairs expertise and an understanding of how government works to clients is exactly what firms of our kind do, in South Africa and around the world – it is lawful and proper. The past affiliations of our principals are a matter of public record. We engage with all parties and across all government departments strictly on the merits. Our clients’ interests align with investment, jobs and growth — and that alignment is a public good, not a conflict.  

We are confident in the integrity of how we operate, and we are happy to be judged on it, if that assessment is based only in fact.