The role of Corporate Affairs Executives in developing and implementing public policy

25 July 2025

By Mat Cuthbert, Member of Parliament 

Public policy remains our primary tool to address pressing socioeconomic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and energy insecurity, says Democratic Alliance Head of Policy, Mat Cuthbert. 

Cuthbert was delivering a guest lecture at the Wits School of Governance to the Corporate Affairs Executive Development Programme. Familiar to the School, as a Master of Management (Public Policy) alumnus, Cuthbert said that, despite government being the primary institutional actor in the development of public policy, it could not do so alone. 

Cuthbert posed three key questions to the participants: What is the role of public policy in an uncertain political context? Who are the actors that shape it? And what role should the private sector play in solving complex societal challenges?

“This is becoming increasingly relevant as government’s fiscal and human resource capacities diminish, and the case for a ‘whole-of-society’ approach involving government, business and society grows stronger,” said Cuthbert.

He said business is not merely a lobbying voice but plays a vital role as a partner in governance. 

“With the appropriate policy and institutional frameworks in place, commercial and public interests can and must be aligned. Initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela demonstrate how structural reform in key sectors like energy and logistics depends on private sector innovation, capital, and expertise. When we remove policy and regulatory barriers, we create opportunities for investment and progress,” Cuthbert emphasised. 

The class was left with these key messages:

  • It is important to develop a thorough understanding of the policymaking process, perform strategic stakeholder mapping, and, most importantly, build relationships rooted in mutual value.
  • Influence is not merely about access — it involves insight, timing, and alignment between your organisation’s objectives and the public interest.
  • Those who can navigate the intersection between politics, policy, and purpose will be the ones to shape our country’s future.