Core to the Net Value calculation is the Graduation Factor formula that awards 8 points on the Ownership scorecard . The time-based graduation factor reduces, over time, the level of debt attributable to the economic interest held by Black Participants.   Q |  To earn the points available, when is the first-year repayment of the 10% target to claim Ownership by using the Graduation Factor formula payable?   A |  A `year’ is not defined in Schedule 1; therefore, it takes on the ordinary meaning of 12 months commencing on the first day of the first month and ending on the last day of the 12th month. As such, the 10% target for the first year commences on the first day that all rights and obligations in Ownership become enforceable. The intent is to ensure that there is always value in the hands of Black Participants, from day one, before awarding Net Value points. It is for this reason that entities offer Black shareholding at a discount. Ownership Services are available to assist with an analysis of Ownership transactions.

Q |  Can a B-BBEE Sworn Affidavit be commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths connected to the deponent that is an EME or QSE with more than 51% Black Ownership?   A |  Commissioner of Oaths must be independent as per the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oath Act.   B-BBEE Verification Services  are available to assist members to ensure that they understand the requirements for Valid Sworn Affidavits.

Under the element Socio-Economic Development , there is an emphasis on the concept of the objective of facilitating income generating activities for targeted beneficiaries.  As per Statement 500 of the Amended General Codes of Good Practice, the following is stated under Clause 3.2: 3.2  Socio- Economic Development Contributions: 3.2.1          Socio-Economic Development Contributions consist of monetary or non-monetary contributions actually initiated and implemented in favour of beneficiaries by a Measured Entity with the specific objective of facilitating income generating activities for targeted beneficiaries.   Furthermore, the definition of Socio-Economic Development Contributions  is stated under Schedule 1 of the Amended General Codes of Good Practice as follows:   “Socio-Economic Development Contributions means monetary or non-monetary contribution implemented for communities, natural persons or groups of natural persons where at least 75% of the beneficiaries are Black people. The objective of Socio-Economic Development Contributions is the promotion of sustainable access for the beneficiaries to the economy. Socio-Economic Development Contributions commonly take the following forms:   (a)     development programmes for women, youth, people with disabilities, people living in rural areas; (b)    support of healthcare and HIV/AIDS programmes; (c)     support for education programmes, resources and materials at primary, secondary and tertiary education level, as well as bursaries and scholarships; (d)    community training; skills development for unemployed people and adult basic education and training; or (e)     support of arts, cultural or sporting development programmes;”   Technical Compliance Services  are available to guide members in understanding the concept of Socio-Economic Development.

Creamer Media | 17 July 2025 The plastics manufacturing industry expresses deep concern over the continued absence of a duly appointed Accounting Authority at the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), which raises serious questions around governance, accountability, and ethical leadership within the post-school education and training system. The term of the previous merSETA board expired in March 2025. Since then, despite the reopening of the nominations process in May 2025, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has not demonstrated a visible commitment to finalising the appointment of a new Accounting Authority. This prolonged leadership vacuum is undermining confidence in the integrity and credibility of one of the country’s most significant and most strategically essential SETAs. In a deviation from established governance principles, DHET has instructed the SETA Chief Executive Officers to act as governance structures in the interim. This presents an apparent conflict of roles and accountability, as executives are now expected to both implement and oversee decisions, compromising the checks and balances essential to good governance. At the merSETA, this situation is even more problematic. The CEO position is currently held in an acting capacity due to unresolved internal governance issues. This means that the SETA is now operating without both an Accounting Authority and a permanent executive head, creating a leadership vacuum that threatens the integrity of decision-making and fiduciary oversight. The plastics sector, alongside other manufacturing industries, relies on merSETA to implement skills development programmes in an ethical, transparent, and accountable manner. The current arrangement, however, raises serious concerns regarding ethical leadership, governance compliance, and public trust. The plastics industry calls on DHET to urgently prioritise the appointment of a competent, representative, and independent Accounting Authority at the merSETA. This is essential to restore governance stability, reinforce public accountability, and uphold the principles of ethical leadership required by the Skills Development Act and King IV governance standards. Skills development is a national imperative. It must be stewarded by governance structures that are fully functional, transparent, and capable of making decisions in the public interest. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/governance-concerns-deepen-as-merseta-remains-without-an-accounting-authority-2025-07-17

FA News | 21 July 2025 In a milestone event that underscored the power of collaboration between corporate South Africa and skills development providers, Standard Bank Insurance, in partnership with Octomate Education, hosted an inspiring Immersion Day. A Visionary Initiative The brainchild of Ms Sheila Mistry: Programme Manager for Standard Bank Insurance, the Immersion Day, coincided with Mandela Day. The programme was designed to bridge the gap between structured learning and real-world professional integration. The 65 unemployed learners are enrolled in the Wealth Management Level 5 Learnership. The event is a testament to the transformative impact of targeted skills programmes in the financial services sector. Welcoming the learners, Ms Emma Tisane, Programme Coordinator at Standard Bank Insurance, encouraged the learners to absorb as much as possible from the day’s programme. Testimonies from Alumni The highlight of the day was the presence of Octomate Education alumni, whose personal journeys resonated with the current cohort. Ms Sindisiwe Masina, an alumna from Assupol Unemployed Learnership 2019, now a top salesperson at Assupol, shared her inspiring journey from an unemployed learner to an industry leader. Her story underscored the lucrative opportunities available in the insurance sector for those who persevere, particularly in sales roles. Ms Phumla Mtshali, another alumna from the Doves Unemployed Learnership Long Term Insurance Level 4 class of 2017, recounted how the learnership experience facilitated her re-entry into the industry, ultimately leading to her current role as a claims processor at Assupol. Positioned for purpose Simphiwe Pfukwa, Director at Octomate Education, served as the event’s MC, sharing her own entrepreneurial journey and urging learners to embrace personal transformation as a catalyst for career advancement. Mr Abbot Pfukwa, CEO of Octomate Education, delivered a steering address emphasizing the importance of continuous transformation and growth. “This is just the beginning,” Mr. Pfukwa urged the learners to appreciate the opportunity from Standard Bank Insurance. This is the foundation of their greatness. Motivation from Industry Experts Mulligan Mathye, a respected Facilitator, cautioned against the myth of self-made individuals, reminding learners that growth and achievement are communal efforts-Ubuntu. He encouraged learners to view challenges as opportunities for growth, not as setbacks, reinforcing the importance of resilience and adaptability in their professional journeys. Adding further industry perspective, Mr. Sikheto Sambo, a seasoned insurance guru and Director at Marara Insurance Brokers, encouraged learners to cultivate loyalty and a positive attitude. His remarks reinforced the significance of professionalism and acquiring soft skills. A partnership for progress The partnership between Octomate Education and Standard Bank Insurance over the years has produced graduates, fit for purpose and equipped to thrive in the dynamic insurance industry. The 65 learners present are a testament to the programmes ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and supporting youth employment in South Africa. Learners spoke candidly about how the experience had reshaped their thinking, instilling a renewed sense of purpose to secure permanent employment within the financial services industry. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, both Mr. Jabulani Radebe: Training Partner at Standard Bank Insurance and Ms Sheila Mistry, emphasized the importance of passing regulatory examinations (RE5), to enhance learner employability within the industry. Conclusion Ms Sheila Mistry asked learners to reflect on their key takeaways, encouraging them to articulate their aspirations as they approach the end of the learnership. The immersion day concluded with a sense of optimism and gratitude. The learners were inspired, equipped with practical advice, industry connections and a renewed belief in their potential. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.fanews.co.za/article/people-and-companies/12/news/1163/standard-bank-insurance-unemployed-learners-immersion-day-a-beacon-of-hope-and-transformation-for-the-south-african-youth/42076

Dumisani Tshabalala | 16 July 2025 Today, as South Africa celebrates World Youth Skills Day with speeches and hashtags, a persistent question echoes beneath the vuvuzelas: are our classrooms shaping the skills that tomorrow’s economy will require, or merely polishing report cards for yesterday’s tests? Certificates hang proudly on lounge walls, but too many of their owners feel lost at university, adrift in their first jobs, or stuck when facing problems no textbook predicted. If we keep mistaking grades for growth, we risk creating paper success and practical stagnation. Good schooling is not measured by how much content a learner can recall, but by how effectively that content becomes a foundation for skills. Ask a Grade 12 learner to quote Newton’s laws, and many will oblige; ask the same learner to design a simple pulley and far fewer succeed. Mathematics, history, and life sciences should ignite curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. However, when facts are disconnected from purpose, the high marks they produce easily slip through opportunities and then collapse. Learning must ignite before teaching can guide it towards tangible competence. In the best classrooms, every subject sparks discovery before delivering instruction. Mathematics exemplifies this: instead of rehearsing predictable routines, teachers nurture curiosity to explore beyond worked examples, build vocabulary to pose precise questions, and develop reasoning to test ideas. A pupil who models a pattern or challenges a claim is already practising mathematics as a language of inquiry. The consequences of neglecting skills are clear. Data from the Council on Higher Education’s VitalStats Public Higher Education 2022 show that less than half of students who start university finish their degrees within six years, revealing weak analytical and academic-literacy foundations. Employers also notice this gap: the 2023 BankSETA and merSETA Employment Outlook survey found that nearly a third of firms view graduates’ communication and collaboration skills as inadequate for the modern workplace. Graduates fluent in theory often go quiet in agile meetings; excellent with prescribed problems, they falter when the brief changes. Technology raises the stakes. Artificial intelligence now drafts legal briefs, manages supply chains, and edits film trailers. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 warns that roles like data-entry clerk and payroll officer are disappearing, while demand grows for AI prompt engineers, renewable energy technicians, and cybersecurity analysts. Those who can frame precise questions for machines will thrive; those who only consume algorithmic output will see opportunities diminish. Unless classrooms become training grounds for data literacy, complex problem-solving, and ethical judgment, digital prosperity will mainly benefit the already privileged. Policy makers repeat the mantra of STEM and urge young South Africans to create jobs rather than queue for them. Yet fewer than one in six matriculants enrols in STEM degrees, and many arrive with little practice in risk-taking or teamwork, the heartbeat of enterprise. Laboratories, incubators and solar farms will not fill themselves with drill-and-practice pedagogy. Where learning meets doing, the story transforms. Skills-focused lessons conclude with two silent questions: what did I practise, and where will I apply it next? An essay on Romeo and Juliet becomes training in persuasive rhetoric; a photosynthesis investigation turns into data-visualisation practice; coding a simple game introduces logic, debugging, and iteration. Learners who experience such teaching leave understanding not only that carbon has four valence electrons but also how to turn an idea into a prototype, and a prototype into a pitch. Evidence is mounting. Pupils from under-resourced schools who accessed skill-rich programmes have earned doctorates, launched renewable energy firms, and stood on podiums at international robotics Olympiads. Their journeys trace back to classrooms that refuse to teach content in isolation from cognitive skills and capabilities. If we are serious about change, the curriculum must treat knowledge as a gateway to skill: a history debate trains evidence‑based argument; a chemistry experiment teaches protocol design and teamwork; a coding project builds logic and resilience. Teacher preparation must shift from marking schemes to coaching inquiry and empathy. Without mentors who model collaboration, graduates will never lead diverse teams. Schools need industry partners, apprenticeships, maker spaces, and neighbourhood hackathons to keep learning relevant as sectors evolve. And accountability must shift from applause to analysis: celebrating record averages without asking whether pupils can write a project proposal or read a dataset is praise without purpose. South Africa’s youth population will reach its peak within the decade. Invest this potential in developing skills, and the nation will have a generation ready to heal, build, and innovate. Waste it, and the cost will be measured in alienation and lost potential. Enter any classroom, pose a meaningful challenge, and guide learners until understanding emerges. Replace rote routines with the rhythm of skill, and watch dormant talent come alive. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://iol.co.za/news/opinion/2025-07-15-skills-not-just-grades-will-shape-south-africas-future/

Lisakanya Venna | 16 July 2025 Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ programme is equipping young innovators with digital skills, funding and mentorship. From the digital hubs of North West to the townships of the Eastern Cape, young South Africans face a daunting reality. According to Stats SA , youth unemployment reached 62.4% nationally for those aged 15 to 24 in the first quarter of this year. However, the Liquid Intelligent Technologies Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme is equipping young innovators with digital skills, funding and mentorship.  Last month, the programme celebrated 20 graduates at Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ Johannesburg headquarters. The event featured a pitchathon where four standout start-ups presented their innovations to a panel of industry judges.  ProLink, a digital platform connecting users with verified contractors in Mthatha, won the top prize of R100,000 in seed funding and a 12-month business support package.  “We have created employment opportunities by hiring two interns who are actively involved in platform development and community engagement,” said Qhawe Mlengana, chief project director at ProLink. Mlengana added that the startup was founded with the vision of not only connecting clients with certified professionals, but also empowering those in the informal sector who lack formal qualifications. Over the next year ProLink plans to launch their platform and scale their presence across the Eastern Cape. Tracking down livestock theft Other finalists included HerdTrace, which uses GPS-enabled ear tags and health monitoring to combat livestock theft; Otomex Innovations, leveraging AI to address mental health challenges; and The Eye of Tech, focused on expanding digital skills in rural communities.  “We started HerdTrace because we come from communities where livestock isn’t just income; it’s survival, education and legacy,” said Zusiphe Makeleni, head of marketing at HerdTrace. Makeleni shared the heartbreak of witnessing farmers losing livestock they rely on, with no safety net to fall back on.  This growing crisis has also caught the attention of political parties like the DA which highlighted a worrying increase in stock theft across the Eastern Cape. Recent figures show that stock theft cases have risen by 8.5%, with 1,628 incidents reported in the latest quarter alone.  For Makeleni, stock theft is more than a crime, “it threatens education, generational progress and dignity”. HerdTrace addresses this by using GPS-enabled ear tags, tamper alerts, health monitoring and geofencing to give farmers real-time updates and peace of mind.  Before joining the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme, the team had passion and a clear problem but lacked the full business picture. The programme helped them to validate their market, sharpen their pitch and build a sustainable business model.  Mindful innovation  Meanwhile, Okuhle Badli, COO of Otomex Innovations, said their invention of MindPal isn’t “just a tech product”. “It’s a culturally attuned, locally designed mental health platform built for Africa’s realities,” he said. Badli added that gaining recognition and funding in the mental health sector had been challenging. To overcome this his team focused on purpose-driven innovation, building partnerships and creating their own pathways through bootstrapping and incubators.  MindPal is designed to be flexible and accessible. It also offers offline USSD access and scalable NGO and school partnerships, making it a trusted platform tailored specifically to the needs of African communities. What this means for you If you’re a young person with tech ambitions, the Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme could be your gateway.  The programme runs annually, with applications usually opening around March and April. Announcements are made on the Liquid Intelligent Technologies SA LinkedIn page and through their implementation partner, Deviare . The programme lasts 12 months, followed by an additional 12 months of support for winning entrepreneurs to help them grow their start-ups. Application criteria: Unemployed youth aged 18 to 35. Matric certificate required; tertiary qualification is a plus. An entrepreneurial mindset is essential. Selection includes aptitude testing. Turning challenges into opportunities The programme offers a year-long, MICT Seta-accredited curriculum in artificial intelligence and software development, combined with comprehensive mentorship, business development support and access to funding. Building a tech ecosystem The programme’s holistic approach ensures participants not only gain technical skills, but also develop the entrepreneurial acumen necessary to launch and scale their ventures.  ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-16-youth-tech-programme-sparks-jobs-and-innovation/

Nkosinathi Ndlovu | 16 July 2025 Policy reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment don’t go far enough, critics have warned. South Africa’s proposed changes to foreign ownership restrictions on local broadcasters do not go far enough to remove the “red tape” that inhibits foreign direct investment in the country’s broadcasting sector, according to the Free Market Foundation. Current legislation limits foreign investors’ voting rights to just 20%, even if their economic interest is higher. But a newly revised white paper on audio and audio-visual media services – published by the department of communications & digital technologies last week – proposes raising this limit to 49%. “Government wants to ensure that there is an enabling policy environment for increased foreign direct investment as a stimulus to the growth and development of the ICT sector as a whole. To this end, the limitations on foreign ownership in respect of linear individual audio-visual content services will increase,” said the white paper. But Martin van Staden, head of policy at the Free Market Foundation, said laws that place limitations on how foreigners can invest in the local economy should not exist at all. “If we look at the most successful economies in the world, they only got there because they had open markets for long periods of time. For a developing economy that is also getting poorer, we should be doing as much as we can to remove red tape and make it as easy as possible for foreign investors to do business here,” Van Staden told TechCentral. The proposed changes to local broadcasting legislation have been in development for years, with the first draft of the white paper making mention of them when it was published in 2020. TechCentral reported on their inclusion then, and in a subsequent 2023 version of the white paper, which also included exceptions for foreign investors from African Union member states. Companies from AU states that hold “reciprocal agreements” with South Africa could be allowed to have more than 50% shareholding and voter rights in a local broadcasting entity. The version published on Friday made no mention of this exception. Ownership limitations According to the white paper, the decision to change foreign ownership limitations was in part influenced by changes in technology that have redefined the broadcasting landscape by producing new kinds of content distribution platforms. This is in stark contrast to the days when broadcasting was mostly in the purview of governments. “Arguments have been raised in relation to ownership limitations, specifically because they are no longer appropriate for a multichannel digital audio and audio-visual content industry,” said the white paper. Another factor prompting the changes is the need to keep up with international trends in broadcasting sector regulation. “Other jurisdictions have been reviewing their ownership limitations to assess their relevance and effectiveness in a converged audio-visual media and content environment, and some regulatory authorities have relaxed or done away with ownership restrictions,” said the document. Foreign ownership restrictions have been a focal point of the ongoing acquisition of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group by French broadcaster, the London-listed Groupe Canal+. To work around the limitations, the merger parties have proposed splitting MultiChoice’s South African assets out of its holdings in the rest of Africa. The South African portion will adhere to local ownership rules while the rest of the business will be majority-owned by Canal+. “MultiChoice has historically supported government’s proposal to relax the ownership limitations in order to attract investment into the broadcasting sector,” MultiChoice said in response to a query from TechCentral. “We believe a relaxation would benefit new entrants and existing broadcasters, promote further competition in the sector and ultimately benefit the public interest. The benefits which arise from foreign investment in the sector include an influx of capital, transfer of technology and skills, and the ability to access foreign expertise.” William Bird, director of media watchdog Media Monitoring Africa, said easing restrictions makes business sense but this must not overshadow the public interest. “Relaxing restrictions on foreign ownership is not an unreasonable thing to do, especially considering the globalised environment we exist in and how rapidly business models in the media sector are evolving,” he said. “What you don’t want is foreign ownership to the extent that you see in other countries, like Zambia for example, where the public broadcaster is completely owned by foreign interests.” According to the white paper, continuing to restrict foreign ownership in the broadcasting sector is designed to preserve a plurality of perspectives and promote competition in the sector. Deregulation Added to this is a concern that foreign-owned media will be less inclined to prioritise the production of original South African content, thus threatening the promotion and celebration of local culture. Van Staden and the Free Market Foundation do not agree, arguing that such policies are designed to be exploited by the political elite in a similar way to how black economic empowerment has been used to enrich the politically connected. “These kinds of policies are used to draw politically connected individuals into businesses they would not otherwise be in on merit. If you want more local content, the only way is through deregulation, which allows competition to flourish,” said Van Staden.  – © 2025 NewsCentral Media ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://techcentral.co.za/south-africa-media-ownership-rules-remote/266889/

Professor Khehla Ndlovu | 17 July 2025 A year into South Africa’s national government of unity (GNU), the country’s young people remain trapped at the precipice of despair. The promise of job opportunities and pathways for entrepreneurship continues to diminish, especially in a world increasingly led by a youthful population whose inventive thinking often conflicts with the traditional methods of those in power. This disconnection is not merely an abstract idea; it is a tangible reality for millions, showing as a deep sense of exclusion and a suppression of potential. The grim reality of South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is stark and well-documented. Statistics SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of this year paints a sobering picture: young people aged 15-24 face a staggering unemployment rate of 62.4%, while those aged 25-34 contend with 40.4%. These are not just numbers; they represent a generation sidelined, their energy and creativity unharnessed.  With 20 million South Africans aged between 15 and 34, this demographic forms the largest segment of our population. This demographic dividend, a potential driver of economic growth and social progress, is instead becoming a source of national concern. This alarming reality requires urgent and decisive action, moving beyond mere discussion to implement tangible and impactful measures across all sectors of society.  Our collective response must begin at home, extend through our communities, reshape our educational institutions, and energise our civil, public, and private sectors. The goal should be to nurture an active, future-oriented population, equipped to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators. Importantly, this quest for solutions must fully harness the transformative potential of technology.  The rapid rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example, should not be viewed with concern but as a significant opportunity. It prompts us to reconsider how we can utilise this technology to empower young people, unlock entrepreneurial talent, and boost economic development. It is time to move past the negativity rooted in a failure to recognise opportunities and instead embrace the immense potential within this digital frontier.  At the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), strategically located in one of Gauteng’s most influential industrial regions, we have long recognised this necessity. Our commitment goes beyond traditional academic teaching to proactive engagement with the digital future. Through initiatives like our Strategy 2033+, we focus on attracting and nurturing students with exceptional talent and potential, equipping them with the digital skills essential for a rapidly changing job market.  Our recent community service project, where our Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences assisted Suncrest High School’s 2025 Grade 12 students with online applications, showcases our commitment to closing the digital gap and promoting a culture of access and opportunity from the grassroots.  The Gauteng government’s commendable focus on the township economy has achieved significant progress in supporting existing businesses. Nonetheless, our efforts must also shift towards empowering young people in these communities who aspire to start their own ventures, developing solutions and products tailored to local needs.  This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, particularly financial institutions. They must explore innovative, concessional financing models that recognise the unique challenges and vast potential of youth-led township enterprises. We cannot continue to champion the township economy while failing to equip its most dynamic segment – our youth – with the necessary skills and financial lifelines.  This year’s UNESCO theme, “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills,” resonates profoundly with South Africa's challenges and aspirations. As a global community, we are collectively seeking solutions that improve young people’s skills for both employment and entrepreneurship. UNESCO and other UN agencies have consistently supported the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To truly accomplish these goals, we must put our solutions at the centre of the ingenuity and motivation of our young people, recognising them not merely as beneficiaries but as co-creators of our future.  Furthermore, the latest World Economic Forum’s World of Work report underscores that “technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the green transition – individually and in combination – are among the major drivers expected to shape and transform the global labour market by 2030.” While these are global forces, South Africa has a unique opportunity to lead in adapting and innovating. We can and must surpass the mediocre leadership that has often characterised our response to the challenges faced by our young people. This moment calls for visionary, agile, and collaborative leadership that recognises the urgency of digital transformation.  At VUT, our concern about the high rate of youth unemployment runs deep. However, concern alone is not enough. We are committed to rolling up our sleeves and taking action that goes beyond mere talk. This commitment is reflected in concrete steps that clearly show our determination to make a difference.  Skills development, especially in digital and AI skills, provides a strong pathway to solutions. Learning institutions are no longer static brick-and-mortar places; they are active partners in national growth, evolving to effectively address today’s complex challenges and to produce graduates capable of leading in the digital era. This demands closer collaboration between academia, industry, and government to jointly create curricula, support innovation hubs, and enable smooth transitions from education to employment or entrepreneurship. The path ahead will be challenging. It demands courage, ingenuity, and most importantly, readiness to listen to young people’s. The time for action is now.  Professor Khehla Ndlovu is the Vice Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/2025-07-16-sas-youth-unemployment-crisis-can-digital-skills-unlock-their-future/

At times, we may find that there are differences between concepts  under the Amended General B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice as well as specific B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice. This is evident when comparing the definition of a Start-up Enterprise under the Amended Construction B-BBEE Sector Codes Of Good Practice which states that a:   “Start-up Enterprise means a recently formed or incorporated Entity that has been in operation for less than 1 year. An entity that was formed and incorporated some time ago, but which has been dormant (non-operational), will qualify as a start-up enterprise for the first year after it commences operations. A start-up enterprise does not include any newly constituted enterprise which is merely a continuation of a pre-existing enterprise.”   It is important for Members to take note of the differences between B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice to ensure the correct implementation takes place.   Technical Compliance Services  are available to guide members on requirements under B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice.

The Measurement of Ownership  for Built Environment Professionals (BEPs) under the Amended Construction B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice is quite unique. There is a focus on Registered Professionals and Shareholders being a part of Executive Management. Clause 3.1.3 of the Amended Construction B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice states the following:     “3.1.3 The Measurement of Ownership in BEPs;   3.1.3.1 More than 50% of the total ownership held in a Measured Entity as a BEP must be held by individuals who are both:   3.1.3.1.1 Professionally registered with any of the statutory professional councils in the BEP environment in South Africa; and at the same time,   3.1.3.1.2 A member of the Executive Management of the Measured Entity;   3.1.3.2 Therefore when measuring the black ownership of any BEP, where the measured entity does not meet the requirements of 3.1.3.1 above, only 50% of the black ownership of those owners who do not meet the requirement of 3.1.3.1 may be included in the total measurement of black ownership in the measured entity.   3.1.3.3 For the avoidance of doubt, Executive Management in this context is defined as “Top Management” in terms of the Employment Equity Regulations and include the ‘Executive Directors’ and ‘Other Executive Management’ of the Measured Entity.   3.1.3.4 Where the ownership of a BEP is held by a holding company, the ownership in the holding company must comply with the provisions of 3.1.3.1, for the black ownership in the measured entity to be recognised, otherwise 3.1.3.2 will apply.   3.1.3.5 In addition, where the measured entity does not meet the requirement of 3.1.3.1, the measured entity does not qualify for automatic enhancement in terms of Clauses 4.2.3, 4.2.4, and 5.3.2. nor will it qualify for bonus points in 2.4 of the ownership scorecard.”   Technical Compliance Services  are available to guide members in understanding the measurement of Ownership under different B-BBEE Sector Codes of Good Practice.

The Legal Sector Transformation Fund (LSTF)  has been established in terms of Paragraph 37 of the Legal Sector Code (LSC) for the purposes set out in Paragraph 37.7 of the LSC.   Measured Entities would need complete a Form and submit it to the LSCC at info@lscc.org.za after making the deposit. Measured Entities may also submit this to your verification agency for purposes of measurement.   Technical Compliance Services  are available to guide members in understanding the requirements of the Legal Sector Transformation Fund.