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Staff Writer - 22 March 2023 Jobs portal CareerJunction has published its employment insights report for February 2023, highlighting the job skills that are most in demand in South Africa right now. The report is based on comprehensive data gathered from Saongroup South Africa – where around 5,000 of the country’s top recruiters advertise their positions to millions of registered jobseekers. Hiring activity increased by 2% from February 2022 to February 2023 (year-on-year), the group noted, with recruitment activity increasing 8% over the last month. This is a stark contrast to data from the start of the year which showed that hiring activity was down quite significantly and no specific job categories were in high demand. The increase in hiring activity has been driven by growth in demand for Business & Management, Information Technology, Finance as well as Admin, Office & Support staff during the month, CareerJunction said. However, since the increases in hiring activity across these four sectors is very recent, this trend is not reflected in the group’s three-month analysis. In fact, the three-month trend analysis shows that hiring activity and employment trends are still largely subdued, with only the warehousing and logistics and building and construction sectors showing longer-term demand. The most significant shifts are as follows: In these fields, during the last three months, hiring activity grew by the percentage shown. Roles in the sub-sectors shown have been advertised more frequently. Building and Construction +2% Electrician Construction worker Warehousing and Logistics +1% Dispatch and receiving Conversely, there has been a sharp drop in demand for two other sectors, with Admin, Office and Support hiring activity dropping 17% and IT hiring activity dropping 14%, the group said. In these fields, during the last three months, hiring activity declined by the percentage shown. Roles in the sub-sectors shown have been advertised less frequently. Information Technology -14% Business analysis Software development Database design/development/admin Data analysis/Data warehousing Admin, Office and Support – 17% Teller/Cashier People looking for jobs While hiring activity remains subdued, CareerJunction noted an increase in candidates signing up and applying for jobs from the design, media and arts, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. This implies that there is in increased number of journalists, graphic designers, web designers, waiters, artisans, machinists and controllers in the market, but not the demand from employers for those skills. Most of the jobs on offer are still mostly based in Gauteng, where 54% of recruitment ads are placed. This is followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal. For design and media jobs, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have seen a downturn in hiring activity when comparing the last three months compared with the same period a year ago. On the other hand, Gauteng has shown consistent growth in hiring activity for this sector over the last three years, CareerJunction said. For sales and marketing, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng have seen consistent growth in hiring activity for this sector over the last three years. The Western Cape, however, has seen a 19% decline year-on-year. According to CareerJunction finance jobs remain in demand, with most people in this field (61%) based in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape and KZN (13% each). Job roles within the sector are still in demand, with the group highlighting accountants, bookkeepers and creditors clerks are being sought after where positions are available. Some pay scales for positions in the finance sector include: Payroll Administrator: from R18,958 to R21,872 per month Creditors Clerk: from R15,801 to R18,682 per month Financial Controller: from R46,322 to R59,618 per month https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/674487/the-most-in-demand-job-skills-in-south-africa-right-now-15/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Prinesha Naidoo - 23 March 2023 Image: Dean Hutton, Bloomberg Severe power outages, coupled with softer commodity prices mean Africa’s most industrialised economy will probably only grow 0.1% in 2023. South Africa must implement reforms to boost private-sector investment, promote good governance and improve the efficiency of public spending to shore up an economy hamstrung by rolling blackouts, the International Monetary Fund said. Severe power outages, known locally as load shedding, coupled with softer commodity prices mean Africa’s most industrialised economy will probably only grow 0.1% in 2023, the Washington-based lender said Wednesday after a staff visit to South Africa. That compares with its January estimate of 1.2% and the National Treasury’s projection of 0.9%. State-owned company Eskom has implemented daily blackouts for more than 200 days last year and on all but one day of 2023. The rolling outages, which started in 2008, are needed to protect the grid from collapse when the company’s old, and mostly coal-fired plants can’t meet demand. The National Treasury is aware of “most of the risks to economic growth” flagged by the lender and is working on measures to address them, it said in a statement. It plans to respond to more detailed analysis and recommendations when the IMF publishes an Article IV report on the country. Reforms aimed at restoring energy security that attract private-sector participation in the electricity market and address Eskom’s operational and financial challenges may help to bolster output growth and create jobs, according to the IMF. If implemented, a R254 billion debt-relief strategy the Treasury has announced for Eskom “should ensure material improvement in the company’s operation and establish its long-term viability,” it said. Still, it warned that the plan, together with continued support for other loss-making state companies, spending on temporary welfare grants and increased debt-service costs, will see the budget deficit widen to 6.5% of gross domestic product in the fiscal year ending March 2024, and deteriorate further through 2026. Creating the conditions for higher economic growth and a reduction in South Africa’s debt vulnerabilities will require stronger fiscal consolidation efforts, including plans to reduce the public-sector wage bill and transfers to state companies while protecting well-targeted social spending and productive public investments, the IMF said. “South Africa’s public debt is among the highest in emerging markets and is set to continue rising on current policies,” the lender said. “This leaves limited fiscal space to respond to adverse shocks, including from contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises, social spending needs, and climate events. It also exposes the government to increasing borrowing costs, diverting limited resources away from more productive capital and social spending.” The IMF also recommended that authorities work to broaden the tax base, strengthen the fiscal framework by introducing a debt ceiling, address shortfalls in public procurement and improve public investment management. Last month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana ruled out introducing a new fiscal anchor in the country’s budget framework. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/economy/imf-pares-sa-economic-growth-forecast-urges-reforms/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Tshepiso Moche - 21 March 2023 Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa says if the government is to advance social and economic rights, it must tackle poverty and inequality in the country. Ramaphosa delivered the official Human Rights Day commemoration keynote address at the De Aar Stadium, in the Northern Cape. The President says government cannot claim to care about the social welfare of its citizens if it can’t deliver basic services. “If we are to advance and secure these social and economic rights into the future, then we need to tackle poverty and inequality. We need to create employment and economic opportunity.” The President was welcomed by cheering crowds as he entered the stadium. He was flanked by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa; and Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola. During his address, Ramaphosa told locals that for the government to achieve its objectives, the country needed to grow the economy and achieve far greater levels of investment. “The work that is being undertaken to increase investment in both economic and social infrastructure is a vital part of the effort to improve the provision of services to all South Africans. This includes investment in roads and rural bridges, in new housing settlements, in water schemes, and in expanding our electricity network,” adds Ramaphosa. President Ramaphosa’s address comes as the country continues to battle many social ills, including GBV, inequalities, poverty, racism, load shedding, and high number of unemployment. Over the last few months, the government has been criticized for not adequately addressing some of these social challenges that plagued the country. In February, Statistics South Africa announced that the country’s official unemployment rate eased slightly to 32.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022. This is a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from the previous quarter’s 32.9%. But despite the slight decline, about 15.9 million people remain employed. Other commemorative events are held by different political parties in different parts of the country. https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/govt-must-tackle-poverty-inequality-to-advnace-social-and-economic-rights/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Khwezi Mabasa - 21 March 2023 60 years since the Sharpeville Massacre. Photo: Supplied South Africans commemorate Human Rights Day annually by drawing attention to the historical and political significance of this day. Sixty-nine people lost their lives on 21 March 1960 while demonstrating against the unjust pass laws. This massacre illuminated the apartheid state’s brutality and intensified the need for using armed resistance in challenging the authoritarianism prevalent across society. The formal adoption of a democratic Constitution in parliament in 1996 signalled a shift towards a society that protects basic political, socio-economic and civil liberties. Former president Thabo Mbeki, who delivered his lauded “I am an African” speech on this occasion, stated that the Constitution “recognises the fact that the dignity of the individual is both an objective which society must pursue and is a goal which cannot be separated from the material well-being of that individual”. He was alluding to the importance of addressing political and socio-economic injustices simultaneously. Democratic consolidation and the substantive realisation of human rights necessitates democratising politics, the economy and other social institutions. South Africans’ lived experiences and researched policy evidence shows this human rights vision has not been fully achieved. The country is ranked highly in several international comparative indexes on democracy and civil liberties, such as Freedom House and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, yet it performs poorly in essential socio-economic and human development indicators. High levels of socio-economic exclusion, poverty, inequality and uneven spatial development characterise post-1994 South Africa. Unequal race, gender and class power relations underpin this exclusionary socio-economic structure, which often produces conflict in what author Karl von Holdt describes as a violent democracy. Hence, many residents believe the human rights celebrated annually have not addressed historical injustices or improved their livelihoods significantly. In other words, systemic race, class and gender inequalities in the economic structure undermine the consolidation of democracy in South Africa. Economic and social policy shortcomings limit efforts aimed at democratising the country’s economy to address past and present socio-economic injustices. These policy choices, based on the prescripts of dominant international financial institutions, continue to fail South Africans. The policy directives place primacy on market-led development models that elevate labour market flexibility, lessening financial exchange controls, privatising public goods and decreasing welfare support as core measures for sustained economic development. They equally coerce governments in less developed countries to adopt rigid macro-economic targets, which focus narrowly on debt containment, attracting private investment and inflation targeting. We need alternative human rights-centred economic and social policy frameworks, highlighting the following points for transitioning beyond a market-led democracy. First, we need broader concepts of labour and livelihood development that do not confine society to wage-led industrial labour as the only solution to the employment crisis. South Africa’s economy (historically) has been run by big corporates operating in different private sector markets and a public sector at different governance levels. Society’s thinking about jobs and livelihoods is confined to formal wage labour or economic participation in these institutions. However, there are innovative ideas emerging about diverse policy strategies for addressing South Africa’s socio-economic crisis which provide more policy options for increasing decent work and supporting community-led livelihood strategies. These proposals factor in the effects of the nascent low-carbon and digital technologies. In addition, there is a call for more emphasis on the care economy and its relation to expanding social security systems. Social redistribution and transfer interventions are positioned as enablers of multiple livelihood options rather than non-productive expenditure line items. Second, the country’s labour and industrial relations regimes should protect the rights of all workers in the economy. Strengthening labour rights, institutional oversight and adapting laws to structural labour market changes are important for achieving this goal. Several industrial relations conflict case studies and continued worker exploitation illustrate that human rights violations are still prevalent in labour markets. Race, gender, class and national inequalities determine the form and patterns of exploitation. And there are sectors, such as domestic work, retail, construction and hospitality, where labour-related human rights violations are more rife. Furthermore, economy-wide labour market restructuring, anchored on emerging technologies or lean business models, has deepened this trend in most cases. Technology and industrial upgrading are presented as benign product market and business operation changes by large corporates. The proponents promote the efficiency, profit and production cost gains associated with these technological innovations. But the technologies are equally used to undermine labour rights, collective bargaining and lower labour costs exponentially. This is alarming because labour market disparities are the main driver of socio-economic inequalities. Third, there is a need to draw from the policy literature about interesting economic experiments that diverge from market-led democracy policy prescripts. Alternatives such as the solidarity economy, eco-socialism, circular economy and social economy are instructive. These development models challenge market primacy, concentrated ownership patterns, ecological destruction and labour exploitation. The alternatives encourage us to think about economic development beyond the confines of growth that is measured using market or financial indicators, such as gross domestic product and rating agency assessments. All these models place human development indicators, equal access to public goods and broader non-market social returns at the centre of economic development. In summary, human well-being, universal human rights, socio-economic inclusion and social redress must become central economic policy targets in South Africa. https://mg.co.za/opinion/2023-03-21-south-africas-market-led-democracy-undermines-human-rights/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

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Partner - March 2023 Telkom Business has launched YEP!, a portal dedicated to helping South Africa’s struggling SMMEs transition onto digital platforms. Keneilwe Gwabeni, Telkom’s Chief Information Officer says that the portal aims to provide SMMEs with an easy way to set up a shopfront in a national digital marketplace. “YEP! is essentially the reinvention of the Yellow Pages for the Digital Age, providing an online marketplace where customers and businesses can find each other,” she says. “YEP! is creating a digital ecosystem in which SMMEs can expand their reach to acquire new customers and develop new linkages with other SMMEs whose businesses complement their own—collaboration is key in the modern, digitalised economy.” YEP! was conceptualised with the difficulties faced by SMMEs in South Africa very much in mind. Globally, according to figures from the Small Business Institute, SMMEs are seen as engines of growth and job creation—just the medicine our ailing economy desperately needs. But despite making up 98.5% of the economy, South African SMMEs create only 28% of its jobs. By contrast, in successful economies, SMMEs also make up the bulk of the economy but they also employ 60%-70% of the workforce and account for up to 60% of GDP. One of the reasons for the underperformance of the SMME sector could be the unwillingness of South African entrepreneurs to adjust their business plans to new realities. In this case, the new reality is the unstoppable shift to digital platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 lockdowns. Digital platforms are essential on many grounds, not least the opportunities they offer to reach new markets and streamline business processes. YEP! will instantly give an SMME the kind of national shop window that would take a brick-and-mortar business years to develop. YEP! backs this up by providing assistance in setting of the necessary website, and training as needed to help SMMEs begin optimising their business processes. Further assistance in creating and building a brand, and marketing products and services is also available if required. Another key benefit of moving online means SMMEs will be able to accept digital payments, something that’s important for security and also because digital payments automatically create a financial record that can be used to access capital funding. “Access to capital is one of the key challenges for SMMEs, as is the ability to find new customers—YEP! will provide a solution to both these issues,” concludes Gwabeni. “As a leading corporate we see this not as just a business opportunity, but also an obligation to help nurture the vital SMME sector in the quest for a more inclusive and vibrant economy.” https://businesstech.co.za/news/industry-news/673979/telkom-businesss-yep-portal-designed-to-help-smmes-make-the-big-digital-leap/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Ina Opperman - 19 March 2023 Image: iStock The country urgently needs technical skills, particularly in the areas of electrical, mechanical, industrial and civil engineering. South Africa’s youth need technical skills to help solve South Africa’s unemployment crisis, where 4.6 million young people are looking for work. Considering that 90% of the country’s employment opportunities require youth with technical and vocational skills, as reported by the Human Resource Development Council, equipping them with these skills is crucial for reducing the country’s unemployment rate, Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, says. There is also an increasing need for artisans and technicians to support base operations within the engineering disciplines, especially as infrastructure repair and maintenance become more crucial than ever for keeping the country’s lights on, he says. This sentiment was reinforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation speech when he said that technical skills are what South Africa requires. He said the skills our country needs, the jobs that can grow our economy and importantly, the avenues for entrepreneurship that are so sorely needed, can best be achieved by increasing learner access to technical and vocational subjects. Government cannot do everything “However, government is unfortunately limited in its ability to bridge the skills gap and therefore the private sector needs to step in by investing in institutions or individuals. With state funding reduced for universities and technikons, additional support is vital. This option may not appeal to shareholders, but it is important to see the bigger picture where the value lies in investing in employees of the future who will be key for taking the country forward.” Dickson says another option is for businesses to work with institutions by providing practical learning opportunities for graduates so that they learn how to apply the skills they acquired. “For example, we provide training to electrical engineering students at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges around the country on electrical safety compliance, as well as the practical use of products such as circuit breakers, wiring accessories and earth leakage devices.” The CBI holding company took this a step further with the establishment of Reunert College, which offers a bridging programme for school leavers from previously disadvantaged communities that enables them to improve their matric results which might otherwise have prevented them from getting a university exemption and/or from becoming employed. Dickson says many participants who successfully completed the programme secured bursaries to study further. Investing in individuals When it comes to investing in individuals, he recommends that more industries consider making apprenticeships mandatory, similar to the accounting and law fields where new graduates are required to do their articles. “It ensures that companies take on apprentices and equip them with the experience required to meet the demands of the working world.” He says businesses that choose this route, must note that they do not have to shoulder the total cost alone, as government provides support via the Skills Development Levy and the provisions of the Income Tax Act. This requires that, if individuals are trained, they need to be placed in a position in a company afterwards. “One of the biggest skills gaps plaguing the country, particularly in the technical and electrical environments, is a lack of practical know-how among new employees. In the past, this would be passed down by veteran employees, but as this practice is no longer in place due to factors like the brain drain and retirement of seasoned workers, inherent institutional knowledge is lost. Mentorship must be provided to develop new hires into competent employees who can acquire these intricacies and ultimately pass them on to the next generation.” South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in Africa and the third highest in the world, according to a global list of 82 countries monitored by Bloomberg. Dickson says our plight is far too big for government to tackle alone. In South Africa, 3.1 million companies are registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Dickson says just imagine what could be achieved if they all invested in institutions and individuals, especially those operating in the technical space.” https://www.citizen.co.za/business/personal-finance/technical-skills-required-to-tackle-youth-unemployment/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

BR Reporter - 15 March 2023 Horse racing operator 4Racing on Tuesday said as part of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative it would transfer a 26% stake in the company to a Grooms and Employees’ Trust. In December 2022, the Competition Commission approved the implementation of the 4Racing Transformation Initiative, which would see a 26% shareholding of the company apportioned between a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Trust (BBOS), the beneficiaries of which would be grooms and stable hands, and an Employee Share Ownership Programme (Esop) being established for 4Racing employees, it said. When the Competition Commission approved the transaction between Phumelela and 4Racing on March 31, 2021, 4Racing made a commitment to contribute to the transformation of not only the organisation, but the horse racing industry as a whole. 4Racing also said on Tuesday that it had appointed an independent Trust Administrator to handle the establishment and administration of the Grooms and Employees’ Trust. A total of 16% of the company’s shares will be issued to to BBOS and 10% to 4Racing Employees (Esop). 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe said: “Grooms are one of the most crucial parts of the horse-racing industry. They are also traditionally the most marginalised stakeholders. This landmark approval by the 4Racing Board of the funding for the Grooms Trust initiative is a massive moment in the history of South African horse racing. “The Grooms Trust will genuinely empower grooms and stable hands, and we are extremely proud of the progressive steps being made to improve the holistic living standards of these very important stakeholders, as well as by the formation of the Employees’ Trust,” she said. Futhermore, 4Racing said an experienced medical services and insurance provider had been selected to provide cost-effective and accessible funeral cover and medical insurance that meets the needs of grooms, and had already started conducting a benefits registration campaign for grooms and stable hands, starting at Fairview Racecourse. This would be followed by similar registration drives this month at the Vaal, Randjesfontein and Turffontein racecourses. The grooms and stable hands’ benefits had been driven by a collaboration between 4Racing, trainers and owners, and the Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA), which has committed considerable funding in support of the grooms’ initiatives. ROA CEO Natalie Turner said partnering with 4Racing on the grooms’ welfare initiatives was absolutely critical. “We are mindful that we need to strike a balance between stakes maximisation for owners, and playing a meaningful role in bringing about change and transformation in the industry. In this particular case, improving the welfare of grooms and stable hands is a key and critical element. This partnership is a powerful message of change and collaboration within the horse-racing industry. We look forward to participating in this initiative, jointly supporting grooms and transforming lives,” said Turner. The 4Racing Board also said it had commissioned a property solution company to conduct a thorough assessment and investigation into the state of the grooms’ accommodation at all 4Racing’s racing and training facilities. “The findings were that the Turffontein Grooms’ lodging was in need of renovation, and that the accommodation at Randjesfontein and the Vaal were well-maintained and that no immediate action was required there,” it said. However, 4Racing would renovate the existing grooms’ accommodation at Turffontein, where work on the eight-month project has already begun, with a number of grooms currently having moved to temporary accommodation while their living quarters are being renovated. https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/4racing-bee-initiative-sees-26-stake-transferred-to-grooms-and-employees-trust-64d8bbfe-643a-4004-8fe0-16fa94b0cd5d ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Staff Writer - 17 March 2023 In South Africa, the local WFA affiliate, MASA has taken custody of the second WFA Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Census in this country, in an alliance with sister industry bodies, the ACA, ARB, IAB, IMC, Kantar South Africa and MRF. Source: www.pixabay.com South Africa - often considered a global pacesetter in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) following the country's transition to democracy in 1994 - is among the 33 countries participating in the second Global DEI Census in marketing. The census asks marketing and advertising professionals from around the world to share their views on DEI in the industry. The census went live on 15 March. Worldwide the initiative is supported by a coalition of 10 global marketing and advertising organisations globally with the equivalent local industry coalitions supporting the rollout of the questionnaire in each of the 33 markets. In South Africa, the local WFA affiliate, the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) has taken custody of the census in this country, in an alliance with sister industry bodies, the ACA, ARB, IAB, IMC, Kantar South Africa and MRF. The alliance will spearhead this project to ensure wide reach across the corporate, agency, SMME and freelance marketing landscape. Walking the journey of transformation Brian Yuyi, Masa CEO urges all stakeholders to take just 15 minutes to complete the survey and be part of the change they want to see in the industry. “This is the second wave of the inaugural 2021 WFA Global DEI Census. And as the South African WFA affiliate, MASA is immensely proud to be associated with this global effort working with our local partner industry bodies and Kantar South Africa. “We are cognisant that the marketing, advertising, and communications industry is facing the same challenges as the rest of the country. But times of adversity are the most relevant to take stock of what it will take to move us forward as an industry and country. Only by refreshing and adding to our body of knowledge can appropriate action be taken to address gaps in diversity, equity and inclusion," says Yuyi. “We believe that South Africa is rich in talent and potential, as such, the accountability is on us as a collective to walk the journey of transformation. DEI requires support, accountability and action to see results and create a sustainable environment. We are excited to be part of this conversation locally and hope to make an impact in the industry this year”, says Claudelle Naidoo, IAB Board Member and CEO of EssenceMediacom South Africa. DEI a critical success factor The DEI Census questionnaire is based on a format used in the UK by the Advertising Association, IPA and ISBA as the “All In Census”, but with slight adaptations for legal and cultural reasons. The primary purpose of the Census is to measure the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the marketing and advertising industry. It also quantifies people’s sense of belonging, the level of discrimination and negative behaviours. “DEI continues to be one of the critical success factors for the marketing industry agencies and the clients they partner with. As the landscape changes, it is vital that we consistently update our insights,” says Ivan Moroke, CEO, South Africa, Insights Division at Kantar. Moroke emphasises, “All voices need to be heard to shed light on the true state of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the marketing industry. And with key developments in the MAC Charter, the census comes at an opportune time.” The results will indicate how much progress has been made since the inaugural 2021 census, which covered 27 markets. Industry support The Integrated Marketing Council (IMC) is committed to the upliftment of our industry and is proud to support this important initiative however possible,” says Dale Hefer, IMC CEO. Gail Schimmel – CEO at ARB, adds, “The ARB is excited to support MASA and our international body, ICAS, in rolling out this census. The wider the participation, the more meaningful the results will be, so we call on the industry to participate. As we review the MAC Sector Charter, the information from this census will be critical”. Says Mathe Okaba, CEO of the ACA, “The ACA supports our industry partners MASA in rolling out the second DEI survey. The census allows a deeper, regularly updated understanding of our sector. The regularity of the census allows for deeper understanding of DEI in our sector and is critical in guiding our engagement with the MAC Charter Council on the state of transformation within the industry”. To participate, marketing professionals from across the marketing ecosystem – advertisers, agencies, media, ad tech and platforms – will be asked to complete an anonymous 15-minute questionnaire covering their demographic profile, including race, ethnicity, religion, age (in accordance with local legal frameworks) as well as their experiences at work. Showcase progress and highlight areas of regression The Census is open for responses until 15 April, with the global coalition working closely alongside national associations, multinationals, agency groups and all other relevant industry groups to promote participation. The Census results are due to be released in June 2023. The results will showcase areas of progress and highlight areas of regression. So far, over 100 organisations have pledged to promote and help support the initiative, making it the biggest collaboration within the marketing and communications industry to date. The inaugural Global DEI Census of 2021 full results and analysis attracted more than 10,000 responses, and its results can be seen here. Charter for change Since the first global Census, the WFA has published a Charter for Change, outlining how global organisations, such as advertisers, platforms and agency-holding groups, can take concrete steps to drive more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. The Charter is designed to complement action plans devised and driven at local level by local coalitions designed to address specific local challenges. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/423/236920.html ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

The objective of a bursary is for a recipient to attain a degree. As I have an inherent passion for Youth development, I find it very fulfilling when, through my professional role, I am able to match prospective bursary recipients to bursary sponsors according to their Economically Active Population (EAP) requirements. The secret to the success of a bursary recipient and sponsor relationship is that it must be as seamless as possible. To that end I remove distractions, such as administration relating to the chosen institution, for the convenience of the sponsor and recipients. In a managed setting, the B-BBEE bursary end-to-end process is fairly straightforward. It can take from six weeks up to several months to complete, depending on the value of the bursary and the number of students. It involves specific documentation and checking student registrations at the Department of Higher Education and Training institutes throughout South Africa. The awarding of bursaries takes place on an annual basis. When a recipient receives a bursary, support is not necessarily guaranteed to continue the following year, as this will depend mainly on the student maintaining a good percentage of pass marks, the year of study (under- or post-graduate), as well as sponsor funding criteria and availability. Over the past five years, I have managed thousands of bursary recipient and sponsor relationships. Due to the demanding aspects of managing these relationships, I often reflect on the impact a bursary can have on a recipient’s life. I appreciate a bursary sponsor’s input and commitment when considering bursary funding and the investment it makes towards the future employment prospects of a bursary recipient. To reveal one of the students behind what is referred to as a ‘bursary recipient’ and the organisation referred to as a ‘bursary sponsor’, I would like to introduce Mikayla Eagles and her bursary sponsor, Italtile Limited, who have been active members of the BEE Chamber since 2019. As part of its Skills Development programme, Italtile awards bursaries annually. Italtile has been ingrained in the South African economy for more than five decades. Over this time, Italtile has moved from importing tiles through its Alberton outlet to being a national commodity. Over the years, it has embraced the core principles of a transforming South Africa, as its latest B-BBEE Certificate showcases a Status Level 2 and 125% Preferential Procurement Recognition. The Italtile Skills Development bursary scheme is an investment in people, specifically the Youth. Twenty-two-year-old Mikayla Eagles is one of Italtile’s bursary recipients. She was born and raised in Cape Town and is the middle child with an older brother and younger sister. Her hardworking parents raised her with a solid value system. Mikayla enjoys spending time with her friends and family like any young person. She loves where she lives, as she enjoys spending time at the ocean and outdoors, allowing her to re-energise and create a space to think. Sport, specifically competitive swimming, has played a significant part in her life. It has taught her many lessons that she applies daily, especially with her studies. Oh yes, she loves pizza and an occasional dessert. Mikayla, what led you to apply for a bursary? In my third year, I applied and received a bursary through the BEE Chamber, whereby I met the criteria. The bursary allowed me to focus all my energy on my studies without worrying about fees. I was relieved that it removed the financial burden from my parents. What were your most significant challenges when entering university? I attended a boarding school, which gave me the tools to be independent. I had to learn to do things for myself because my parents were far away. Thus, my independence shaped my character and personality and gave me the confidence to ‘step up to the plate’ at university. Although there were character-building benefits to living away, the transition to university did not come without challenges. I was not prepared for the increase in my workload or the expected standard and quality of work. I realised I did not use the correct study methods, as what worked for me in high school no longer applied at university. Then there was navigating the university campus and understanding the lay of the land, which took time for me to get used to. As I did not take up university residence, I was allocated a mentor through a Private Student Organisation, which did not provide me with adequate support. On reflection, a perfect mentor would have been a little older than me with experience navigating the university space. However, the university did offer orientation support to the new students, which went a long way toward helping me to adjust and familiarise myself with my new surroundings. What field of study did you choose and why? In 2021, I completed a BCom in Industrial Psychology. I am currently in my fourth year, completing my Honors in Industrial Psychology. I chose this degree as it combines working with people and business. I have always enjoyed helping people but never felt I could be a psychologist. Therefore, choosing to be an Industrial Psychologist allows me the best of both worlds, as I will work and help people in a business environment. I look forward to joining a well-established company where I can learn and grow through a Psychometric Internship. How do you see your future job prospects in South Africa after graduating? Challenging; the unemployment rate in South Africa remains high, and many graduates are unemployed. Unfortunately, this puts me at a disadvantage, as others in my area have job experience. Coming straight out of university, I will have limited work experience and certainly none in my field of study. Another challenge is that employers want job experience, as they are not prepared to invest in the development of graduates. Do you have any message for Italtile, your bursary sponsor? Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your sponsorship. It gave support when I needed it the most. I hope that you have felt the rewards of your investment. In providing a bursary, you enabled a young woman to complete her undergraduate degree and obtain acceptance into an Honors programme that only selects 30 people per year, which was no easy task. Thank you very much again. Do you have a message for anyone looking for a bursary to further their studies? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Navigating the websites and juggling all the deadlines during the application process for different bursaries was quite challenging and overwhelming. But, in saying that, it became easier to navigate when the BEE Chamber took over the process on my behalf. My message is to persevere. There are bursaries, so start the process early, research and apply for as many sponsorships as possible. Lesley Vaughan the Group Training Manager at Italtile Limited concludes. “Skills Development and people are my passion. I am proud to work for a company who wants to help deserving students who otherwise may not be able to afford higher education and reach their potential. We take such pride in knowing we have made a difference in a student’s life and being able to give back to the community.”

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Georgina Crouth - 19 March 2023 A Takealot collection point in Soweto. (Photo: Gallo Images / Papi Morake) Ecommerce is in its infancy in South Africa. SA's leading online retailer is helping to grow the trade in South Africa by nurturing entrepreneurs to thrive and become strong businesses while resolving customers’ ‘pain points’, Mahlare explains in a wide ranging interview. The biggest bellyache with online deliveries – that’s if using a reputable seller – is not that the clothes will be ill-fitting or poor quality; that the shoes will be the wrong size or that the grocery item you picked was substituted with an incorrect brand: it’s that you had to sit at home for hours, unable to run other errands, while waiting for the goods to arrive. And then to discover the order’s been messed up. Leading online retailer Takealot says it is acutely aware of customers’ “pain points”, which is why it is testing new collection options while developing technology to improve the customer experience. It is also hoping to invigorate the economy by driving a programme to enable more SMMEs to access markets while growing their national footprint. Takealot’s group chief executive officer, Mamongae Mahlare, says one of the key realities of the platform is that it is a marketplace and an empowerment enabler for SMEs’ access to markets. “We’ve gone from 124 sellers in 2014 to around 8,000 sellers now. This platform is powerful as an enabler for SMEs to be able to establish their businesses, but more importantly to also grow. And we’ve continued to improve on the operational support service on our platform.” Support for SMEs ranges from how to manage accounts and how to make money, to important factors for a business to consider, and how to get stock out in time. But what has become more apparent is the need for more support to become a successful business – skills that all entrepreneurs need to run a viable business. In mid-February, Takealot launched a programme to assist black entrepreneurs. This past weekend, it completed its first-phase boot camp in Cape Town; next weekend another takes place in Johannesburg. The first phase is essentially an accelerator programme which offers workshops and interactive learning opportunities. During the second phase, the 30 participants in the programme will submit their business cases. They will be mentored and a few may require capital to accelerate their business. Takealot will be offering limited grants to some worthy entrepreneurs, although Mamongae would not be drawn into revealing the quantum. The final phase will be practical, giving budding entrepreneurs important exposure in the real world and gaining life skills such as keeping records, basic accounting and registering their business/brand. Mamongae says this will strengthen their ability to thrive. “We need to have an economy that grows and is inclusive. Enabling especially black SMEs is crucial. We need to ensure that these SMEs are able to be sustainable. Every sale is important.” Power outage solutions Operating in South Africa under punishing power outages is always a challenge as generators, diesel and other mitigating solutions are costly – but Takelot has profited immensely from the crisis, as customers’ demand for “load shedding solutions” has never been higher. The website has a dedicated section to help customers stay connected in the dark; keep appliances running and generate power. “We’ve sold tons of load shedding equipment, which is helping our customers have more continuity in their day. When you have about 10 hours of outages, you need to be able to charge batteries, laptops, UPSs and other equipment. It’s a very important part of our business, which is why we’ve also invested a lot in terms of our service offering and our website.” The website also offers advice in terms of what customers might need for their particular requirements to ensure that they get on with their lives at home or at work, from economical items such as LED lights to high-end, pricey solutions. Deliveries On those pesky deliveries: Takelot is enhancing its tech to improve and shorten the window, but that will take some time as it’s a complex matter, Mamongae explains. For now, the number of pick-up points has grown to about 90 across the country. It is also testing collection points at two Pick n Pays – Table Bay and Brackenfell. This helps customers can pick up their parcels when convenient, instead of waiting for deliveries. Ecommerce is still in a developmental phase with enormous potential for growth in South Africa, which is why new players like Amazon – said to be gearing up for launch in SA by the end of 2023 – could help stimulate the space. “We are hopeful that [Amazon] will be a constructive player looking to grow the pie so that we can all build a sustainable model of ecommerce in this country. Because as it stands today, ecommerce comprises only about 4% of retail, which is over R1.2-trillion. When you compare it to other emerging markets, like Brazil, [ecommerce] penetration is sitting at between 12% and 20%,” said Mamongae. “There is vast opportunity for growth for ecommerce and we remain cautiously optimistic that investment will contribute to growing penetration of ecommerce so that you can grow the sector. Because that’s the only way it will make business sense, by growing, as it’s not currently very big.” BM/DM https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-19-takealot-ceo-mamongae-mahlare-says-the-ecommerce-company-is-trying-to-ensure-a-good-crisis-doesnt-go-to-waste/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’