Rising Sun | 17 July 2023 According to a report from the Education Commission and UNICEF, published to coincide with World Youth Skills Day, it is estimated that only around 25 percent of the world’s youth are on track to learn the skills they need to get a job- either through education, employment or training. In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, appropriate work and entrepreneurship. This year, the theme for World Youth Skills Day is skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future, highlighting the essential role that educators play in providing skills for youth to move into the labour market and actively engage in their communities and societies. According to a report from the Education Commission and UNICEF, published to coincide with World Youth Skills Day, it is estimated that only around 25 percent of the world’s youth are on track to learn the skills they need to get a job- either through education, employment or training. This is certainly something the IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management has been hard at work developing by incorporating themes, such as cultural thinking, problem-solving and financial literacy into their teachings. Courses such as their advanced certificate in hospitality management help students acquire skills set to interpret challenges in the various hospitality departments, deliver services efficiently and effectively, solve problems and exploit opportunities to improve services. Students also get to understand the legal requirements that have an impact on business and basic accounting principles. Etresia Booysen, a senior lecturer at the IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management’s Rosebank campus, said, “Combining academics with practical experience is highly important to prepare students for the labour market in the hospitality industry. While academic knowledge provides a strong foundation of theoretical concepts and principles, practical experience offers invaluable insights into real-world scenarios, skills development, and industry-specific challenges.” Booysen said that their approach to student preparation goes beyond theoretical classes by incorporating practical demonstrations and hands-on experiences. “As the flagship campus, we host a variety of events on-site, during which time the students actively participate and contribute to the operations, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. This practical exposure not only enhances their understanding of the industry but also hones their interpersonal skills, particularly in areas such as communication and teamwork. Moreover, these events serve as networking platforms for our students and, by working alongside industry professionals and engaging with event attendees, our students have the chance to establish valuable connections and build relationships with potential employers and industry partners. It is not uncommon for our students to receive job offers or internship opportunities during these events, illustrating the practical relevance and industry recognition of our programme,” Booysen continued. Third-year student Daniël de Bruin, who last year completed an internship at JAN, the Michelin-star, Nice-based restaurant of Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, said, “Practical learning during studies is crucial for the development of skills and abilities. It is so important that students gain practical experience before entering the industry, and this should be done during class with a lecturer as a facilitator. Practical experience is the foundation that needs to be set before learning any other theory and students need to feel free to make mistakes with the people they know and are comfortable with. To fail is the best way to learn! My success, and the success of all the other third-year students would not have been possible without practical skills development in our first year.” Here are nine key facts about the youth skills gap: By 2030, there will be 78 million more young people, with nearly 40 million of them in low-income countries and requiring education and training. According to the World Skills Clock, a partnership between UNICEF, the Education Commission, World Data Lab, and Generation Unlimited, which counts up in real-time, there are currently over 737 million youth without secondary education-level skills. Youth employment fell by 39 million in 2020 while 24 million young people are still at risk of not returning to school. Young people lost jobs faster than other age groups in the first few months of the pandemic, because they were over-represented in the worst-hit sectors or had temporary or fixed-term contracts. Over 30 percent of young women worldwide are not in employment, education, or training, while for young men- it’s 13 percent. More than 86 percent of apprenticeships were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 600 million jobs need to be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs. According to a recent survey, 50 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds believe there will be no traditional employment in the future and instead, they will promote their own personal brands and sell skills on a short-term basis to those who need them The proportion of the world’s youth without digital skills sits at 63 percent. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://risingsunnewspapers.co.za/264131/world-youth-skills-day-more-important-and-urgent-than-ever/

Ngwako Malatji, Bongani Mdakane | 16 July 2023 The directors of a Joburg-based engineering company, NJM Heat Treatment & NDE Services (NJM), failed to report to the Hawks for alleged fraud after the Joburg High Court ordered them to do so more than three weeks ago. The apparent decision to cock a snook at the court order is likely to open them to contempt of court charges. In her judgment, which we have seen, judge Fiona Dippenaar said the three directors Mark Smith , Vanessa Chungu and Alex Roditis should report to the law enforcement agency after they stated in their answering affidavits that they fraudulently supplied a signed shareholders’ agreement to Eskom for the purpose of misleading and misrepresenting NJM shareholding to win a tender at the struggling state-owned utility a few years ago. The shareholding agreement was intended to prove black business shareholder ownership of the company. It appeared that the directors’ conduct was tantamount to committing broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) fraud. This shocking detail came to the fore when a female shareholder, Baleseng Zinyana, who held 26% of the shares, which she paid for in cash, took the other directors to court after they refused to hand her the company’s accounting records to conduct an audit to determine the value of the business. In her application, Zinyana said she suspected manipulation of the company’s financial performance as the management accounts did not tie up with the financial statements. The application also stated that the financial records of the company were manipulated in order to reduce the company’s profit margin to below R50-million in 2019 to enable the entity, which also scored millions of rands from Sasol, to generate a BBBEE affidavit to maintain a BBBEE level 1 status. Zinyana also approached the company auditors and requested them to review the contents of the audited financial statements, but they refused to do so. The company’s woes are likely to pile up as Jack Madzivhandila, who was appointed by Zinyana as director of NJM, also reported the company’s questionable activities and BBBEE fronting to authorities. Madzivhandila, who was booted out of the company in 2019 after raising concerns about the dubious activities, reported NJM to BBBEE commission of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Sasol. In the letter, addressed to the DTI in February 2021, Madzivhandila said he was informed in 2017 by Smith and Roditis that they intended to sell the shares of other shareholders, other than those held by Zinyana, equalling 25% to Chungu to enable the company to be 51% black woman owned. He said he was later informed that Chungu bought the shares but because she did not have the capital she would pay for them from dividends. He said four years later Chungu still had not paid for the shares because the company had not declared or paid dividends. He also said the company’s turnover was reduced so that the profit margins would remain low, thereby diminishing the chances of dividends being paid out. As a result, Chungu would forever be indebted while on the other hand, the company continued to benefit from a good BBBEE assessment scoring. “I am of the view that Chungu’s ownership is only on paper but not which will economically empower her as a black woman.” NJM lawyers, Knowles Husain Lindsay Attorneys, did not respond to written questions while Chungu declined to comment on specific questions sent to her. However, in the letter they sent to Sunday World last week, the lawyers disputed that Zinyana won the case against NJM in court. They said the businesswoman brought an application to court and they opposed it and the matter was set down for May 8 this year. They said the merits of her case were never dealt with, saying they were of the view that her case was without merits. They said the parties agreed to a settlement in order to resolve the matter practically, which was made an order of court. In terms of the agreement, they said, Zinyana’s shares would be purchased by the other directors if they agree on their value. DTI and Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale also failed to respond to our written questions. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokowena said they did not have the records of NJM in their system. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://sundayworld.co.za/news/business/njm-directors-ignore-court-order-fail-to-report-to-hawks-for-bee-fraud/

Alpha Ramushwana | 15 July 2023 The Gauteng premier on Friday said that of the 1.2 million applications received, most were for general jobs. JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government said a majority of applicants for jobs through the Nasi Ispani Programme were unskilled and didn’t qualify for certain posts. The statement was made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at a media briefing in Midrand on Friday. The recruitment programme, which was launched in June, is aimed at tackling youth unemployment in the province. Lesufi said while over 1.2 million applications were received, most people applied for general jobs. “Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Lebogang Maile is going to meet with SETA [Sector Education and Training Authority] and skills training agencies. "We want to know what kind of training they can bring to re-skill these people, so that they stand a better chance.” Lesufi admitted that government would need to do more to create jobs. “We are going to target institutions that have the potential to take large numbers. Take IEC [Independent Electoral Commission] for elections for example. The IEC has a potential to take a high number. We are going to ask MEC Maile to go and meet with the IEC...We've already advertised so don't advertise and waste money.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://ewn.co.za/2023/07/15/majority-of-nasi-ispani-applicants-didn-t-qualify-for-certain-posts-says-lesufi

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Mpumelelo Maphalala | 15 July 2023 The partnership between SAB and Isanti Glass represents a significant achievement in South Africa's journey toward economic transformation South African Breweries (SAB) and Isanti Glass, South Africa’s first majority black-owned glass container manufacturer, commemorated their successful three-year partnership. The collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving the country’s transformational goals and promoting localisation. SAB has entered into a 10-year offtake agreement with Isanti Glass, ensuring that SAB will purchase any unsold products from Isanti. This strategic arrangement guarantees a stable market and revenue stream for Isanti’s future output. The partnership between SAB and Isanti Glass has resulted in the creation of South Africa’s first majority black-owned glass manufacturer. It exemplifies SAB’s commitment to government objectives and its dedication to converting existing suppliers to support transformation initiatives. This collaboration sends a powerful message about the importance of localisation and its wide-ranging impact. By partnering with Isanti Glass, SAB is actively promoting the involvement of small players, particularly black-owned businesses, in the industry and fostering job creation. Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Fikile Majola, emphasised the significance of this milestone. Majola stated, “This acquisition and transaction between SAB and Isanti help broaden black participation. It serves as an excellent example of how black empowerment should be pursued. SAB’s 10-year offtake agreement ensures the success of Isanti, which is crucial for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and participation in our economy. We consistently emphasise that the economy cannot grow if it remains concentrated. We need to deconcentrate the economy spatially and encourage participation from different national groups, especially those previously disadvantaged.” Isanti Glass is currently in the process of securing a fourth furnace to increase glass production. As South Africa heavily relies on glass imports, this expansion project will help bridge the gap and alleviate concerns about the rand/dollar exchange rate for local glass buyers. Chairman of Isanti Glass, Shakes Matiwaza, highlighted the importance of local glass production. He explained, “South Africa is a net importer of glass, especially container glass. Given our rand/dollar exchange rate, it is vital to procure glass locally for our customers. As long as we continue importing glass, there will be a demand for locally produced glass. Moreover, local production creates employment opportunities.” The partnership between SAB and Isanti Glass serves as a model for promoting localisation, supporting black-owned businesses, and ensuring sustainable economic growth. It represents a significant achievement in South Africa’s journey toward economic transformation and empowerment. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sab-isanti-glass-celebrate-partnership-to-promote-localisation-and-black-ownership/

SABC | 15 July 2023 In South Africa, youth unemployment came in at 46.5% in the first quarter of this year. Civil society organisation, Alliance For Youth, says the majority of South African youth do not possess the necessary skills to take up jobs, especially in the technological fields. This comes as the world marks World Youth Skills Day. Statistics by the UN suggests that 600 million jobs would have to be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs globally. In South Africa, youth unemployment came in at 46.5% in the first quarter of this year. Spokesperson for Alliance For Youth, Noxolo Mnisi says, “There’s new roles that have come into play, especially after COVID where most of the young people are not able to jump in and take up those roles, because there’s a huge skills gap. We have the necessary qualifications, but are the qualifications that we are studying at universities relevant to what the job future looks like? It’s very critical to highlight things such as these because it makes us sit back as corporate, as government, to see where can we potentially start partnering together and helping close those gaps.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/majority-of-sa-youth-do-not-possess-the-necessary-skills-to-take-up-jobs/

Choosing the correct Skills Development service provider, in most cases, is the difference between the success or failure of a Skills Development Strategy. Therefore, due diligence before contracting a Skills Development service provider is essential and would include establishing the following: How long have they been in business? Did they previously trade under another company name? What are the geographical areas in which they operate? Do they have references that support a solid track record? What is the average drop-out rate of Learners? Do they rely on third-party intervention? Are the Learners’ salaries or wages in line with the national minimum wage requirements? Can they furnish evidence that they are an accredited Skills Development service provider? Do they adhere to the standards of the body of their accreditation? Can they provide a financial viability report from their auditors? Do they agree to a site visit to confirm that the facilities will adequately accommodate Learners from both an infrastructural and geographical perspective? Can they confirm that they have the in-house capacity to meet the contract requirements? Do they have a good relationship with the primary SETA aligned with the sector an organisation represents? Skills Development Services are available to assist members in selecting a Skills Development service provider.

Informal training is the means that many organisations use to drive their Skills Development mandate. Category G is Informal Training whereby the Skills Matrix references work-based informal programmes. It refers to the workplace or internal training, whereby one employee trains another. The following evidence substantiates a claim for this category: Certified copy of a South African identity document; A signed EEA1 or any documentation confirming race and gender presented by the trainee; A training register confirming the date, the number of hours, as well as the trainer’s and trainee’s names. All parties must sign off this evidence; The payslip/s of the trainer will verify the hourly rate paid in the month training took place. Evidence may include the trainer’s IRP5 if the Measurement Period is a February year-end. Skills Development Services are available to assist members in allocating their Skills Development spend.

The 2013 amendments to the Generic Codes closed a loophole that allowed early payment terms for ‘Black’-owned businesses in exchange for Preferential Procurement points. The amendments mean that an organisation may only claim early payment terms from Supplier Development Beneficiaries. Therefore, the following applies to an invoice on which a claim for early payment is going to be made: The invoice payable for goods or services must appear in an organisation’s TMPS; Only the amount for early payment terms must reflect. Enterprise & Supplier Development Services are available to guide organisations in allocating their spend within this element.

SA News | 14 July 2023 The Employment and Labour Department is looking into imposing significant fines against unlawful labour practices by employers as the number of violation of basic employee registrations increase. “One of the things we are going to be harsh on is that some of the employers violate labour laws, and we come back to them and we find they did not correct because we start by corrective measures. “And they continue to violate labour laws, and then they get a fine in court but the fine is insignificant to them and they continue to violate labour laws,” said Minister Thulas Nxesi. The Minister was addressing the employers of the Golden Ridge Estate during farm inspections on Wednesday. The Golden Ridge Estate is a farming estate in Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape and the second biggest gross domestic product (GDP) contributor in the province. “Now part of the law which we are cooking is that if we are to find you [as an employer in violation of labour laws] and if we have given you warnings to do the corrective measures, and for the third time we find you violating, we are going to deal with your profits and a certain percentage of your profits. “And we send a very clear message,” he warned. The Minister further explained the department’s current stand on the Employment Equity Act to the farm owners. He also touched on the lack of training and mentorship of certain sectors of the population on farms. “The most sensitive issue, which I must emphasise, is the question of the foreign nationals amid high unemployment in South Africa. “You can employ them provided they are legal and provided they have papers. But it must be a particular quarter. You have the security sector and the retail sector, but we cannot come up with something which is a one size fits all. It’s going to depend on the various sectors,” he added. The Minister also embarked on the ‘Taking Services to the People’ initiative where he visited the Tamboville Community Multi-Purpose Centre in Kariega. “It’s a very strong programme where we feel that some of the people are not closer to Labour Centres, and then it means we must be able to provide service closer to them. Tons of the services we are bringing are the UIF [Unemployment Insurance Fund] and the Compensation Fund. “We’re also looking at the Employment Services where we’ll do career counselling for the young people on how to deposit their CVs in a central database which will be available to all the employers, both private and public,” he explained. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/employers-warned-comply-labour-laws

Schalk Burger | 13 July 2023 The Competition Commission has signed a settlement agreement with fast-moving consumer goods company Unilever South Africa that settles a possible market division case against Unilever. In terms of the settlement agreement, Unilever has agreed to pay an administrative penalty in the amount of R16-million without an admission of liability. Unilever has also agreed to a range of initiatives, including that it will increase the aggregate yearly value of its procurement of products and services from local entities by a minimum of R340-million for over a period of four years as part of the settlement agreement. Additionally, the company has agreed to donate hygiene, disinfectant and oral care products to the value of R3-million to no fewer than 18 780 public schools over a period of five years. Further, Unilever will establish an enterprise and supplier development fund to the value of R40-million. This fund will provide interest-free business loans to qualifying black-owned entities in the manufacturing, logistics and wholesale industries in South Africa that meet Unilever’s credit and selection criteria. This includes black-owned manufacturing companies requiring startup funds to enter the logistics, wholesale and distribution industries. “With agreements like the one with Unilever, the Commission preserves the spirit of healthy competition, protects the rights of consumers and paves the way for a thriving marketplace built on integrity and shared prosperity,” said Commissioner Doris Tshepe. The agreement has been filed with the Competition Tribunal for confirmation. In 2017, the commission referred a case against Unilever and trading and logistics multinational Sime Darby Hudson Knight for prosecution for possible division of markets between 2004 and 2013. The commission’s investigation found that the two companies entered into a sale of business agreement, which contained a non-compete clause, which restricted each of them to produce and supply certain pack sizes of margarine and edible oils. This is in possible contravention of the Competition Act. Sime Darby settled the matter with the commission in July 2016. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/commission-reaches-settlement-with-unilever-south-africa-2023-07-13

Partner | 14 July 2023 The Microsoft Emerging Partner Programme is an Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) B-BBBEE initiative by Microsoft South Africa that supports the development of 100% Black-Owned SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) in the ICT industry in South Africa. This programme aims to identify, recruit, and nurture emerging partners in the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Whether you build apps or deliver IT services, this programme offers a great opportunity for you to take your small ICT business to the next level. Building a better South Africa The Microsoft Emerging Partner Programme is focused on offering skills development and building commercial capabilities of its 100% black-owned ICT SMME partners. The programme does this through: Instructor-led technical skills training Exam vouchers for Microsoft Certifications Business Development training, mentoring, and coaching Adoption and Change Management certification programme Funding of Microsoft workloads (subject to budget availability and Scope approval) The programme also supports SMMEs to attain Solutions Area Designations. Designations differentiate your business by demonstrating your organisations capabilities in your chosen area of business, with easily identifiable badging. Find out more about Microsoft’s Solutions Area Designations here: Microsoft Cloud Partner Program There are six different Solutions Area Designations, and the Emerging Partner Programme will help participating SMMEs attain up to two designations over a period of 24 months. How to apply To participate in the Microsoft Emerging Partner Programme, your company must be a 100% black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise or Qualifying Small Enterprise (with a turnover below R50 million). The owner must have five years of IT experience, and the business must be operational for at least two years. A valid B-BBEE ICT Affidavit, CIPC registration certificate, and SARS Tax Pin letter are also required to apply to this programme. Recruitment for the Microsoft Emerging Partner Programme ends on 21 July 2023 – so sign up now to take advantage of its powerful benefits. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://businesstech.co.za/news/industry-news/704275/join-the-microsoft-emerging-partner-programme-to-accelerate-the-growth-of-your-smme/