Bizcommunity | 14 July 2025 South African small businesses could face a major blow after the United States confirmed a 30% tariff on all local goods from 1 August 2025. Entrepreneurship to the Point (ETTP) is calling on government and stakeholders to urgently protect the country’s export-ready SMMEs from the fallout. The tariffs, announced in a formal letter from US President Donald Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 July, are expected to hit small and emerging exporters hardest — especially black-owned businesses that have only recently entered global value chains. “This decision poses a real and immediate threat to the South African SMME sector,” said Shawn Theunissen, founder of ETTP and Property Point. “Years of work in building export pipelines could unravel overnight.” ETTP, which works to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, says the impact of these tariffs will go beyond just trade disruption. Theunissen warned of knock-on effects for job creation, investor confidence, and the broader transformation of the economy. To limit the damage, eTTP is urging swift, targeted intervention. Its proposed actions include: A small business trade relief fund to absorb losses Fast-tracked access to alternative export markets Support with compliance and recertification for new trade zones Advocacy for sector-specific tariff exemptions While diplomatic efforts continue, eTTP says the time for contingency planning is now. “We support the president’s diplomatic engagement, but we cannot afford to wait,” Theunissen added. “South Africa’s economic resilience depends on how we support our small businesses through this moment.” ‘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.bizcommunity.com/article/us-tariffs-threaten-smme-exports-says-ettp-701442a

Modiegi Mashamaite | 10 July 2025 Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has revealed that South Africa’s agricultural sector is experiencing a surge of momentum with more than 3,000 recent agricultural graduates placed in internship programmes. Steenhuisen said this is part of a broader push by the government to uplift youth and tackle food insecurity. The agriculture minister made this announcement during his department’s budget vote speech, describing the allocation as “a budget for the youth” and pointing to major investments in training, education and food security. “More than 66,000 farmers have received training, and more than 3,000 agricultural graduates have been placed through our internship programmes. We are integrating all 11 agricultural colleges into the higher education system to ensure that they become centres of excellence,” said Steenhuisen.  The Macroeconomic Digest Labour Report for May 2024 published by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) showed that employment in the agriculture sector increased by 50% on a long-term basis, from 627,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2011 to 941,000 in the first quarter of this year. According to the NAMC, agriculture employed about 5.6% of the employed pool in the first quarter of this year, making the sector essential in the labour force. It said data from Stats SA showed that men have been the primary participants in the agriculture sector from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2024. The number of men and women actively involved in agriculture was 641,000 and 300,000, respectively, in the first quarter of this year. “During the first quarter of 2024, the number of women increased by 8,000 (2.8%), while the number of men increased by 13,000 (2.1%) compared to the previous quarter. When combining both genders, the number of people employed in agriculture increased by 21,000 (2.3%) for the first quarter of 2024.” the report said. In a time of economic uncertainty, agriculture has become a rare economic success story. The sector grew by 15.8% in the first quarter of 2025 — a performance that added 0.4 percentage points to South Africa’s overall GDP. This is in stark contrast to declines recorded in manufacturing, mining, electricity and construction. Behind the growth figures lie urgent social challenges. “According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, only 36.5% of households are food secure. Nearly 18% experience severe food insecurity. These are not just figures. They are expressions of a child going to bed hungry, of a parent sacrificing meals, of dreams deferred,” said Steenhuisen. Steenhuisen said to address this, the department is implementing the 2024—2029 National Food and Nutrition Security Plan, in collaboration with the departments of health, education, social development and the environment. “We are scaling up school gardens, community food hubs and home food production,” he said. Steenhuisen also announced plans to promote neglected and underutilised species (NUS) such as amaranth, African leafy vegetables, and bambara groundnuts — crops known for their high nutrition, drought resistance and cultural value. “These offer nutrition, resilience and cultural relevance,” he said. He emphasised that the future of agriculture lies in innovation and youth participation.“The future of agriculture will be decided by the next generation, not only those who inherit the land, but those who study climate-smart techniques, monitor disease outbreaks, and build data systems for traceability,” he said.  Steenhuisen said to support this vision, the department is opening pathways for young people into veterinary science, agritech, on-farm learning and extension services. “Let us empower them to build a new kind of agriculture, one rooted in science, community, and opportunity.” ‘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.timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-07-10-steenhuisen-hails-youth-budget-as-3000-agriculture-graduates-land-internships/#google_vignette

SABC | 13 July 2025 The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commissioner has raised concerns on the adequate implementation and the future of Black Economic Empowerment in the country. The B-BBEE legislation was adopted through Section 9(2) of the Constitution to redress the socio-economic imbalances that were created by apartheid and ensure economic opportunities for previously marginalised races. In a step to deepen the country’s economic transformation efforts, the Triple BEE Commission and the Black Management Forum (BMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding under the theme: Safeguarding B-BBEE Amidst Challenges in Implementation. This has been described by Commissioner Tshediso Matona as a collaborative effort to defend and advance South Africa’s transformation agenda. Commissioner raises concerns over BEE. ‘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.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/commissioner-raises-concerns-over-implementation-future-of-bee/

Bongani Mdakane | 13th July 2025 A Pretoria husband and wife embroiled in a complicated “fronting case” have had to wait for more than a year for EPCM Bonisana to buy them out of the company despite a court ordering this be concluded within 10 days.  In May last year, Nicole and Ebrahim Patel obtained a Pretoria High Court order compelling Thomas Cowan and Dirk Odendaal, two directors of EPCM Bonisana to buy them out after the parties fell out.  The complicated story starts on March 7 last year.  The Patels had threatened to remove Cowan and Odendaal as directors of the oil and gas company based in Monument Park, Pretoria, after the pair refused to hand over documents the couple needed to get a valuation of their shareholding in the company.  In her judgment, Judge Mabaeng Lenyai traced the origin of the dispute to the Patels asking “the applicants” – Cowan and Odendaal – to furnish them with the documents that would help them value the company before disposing of their shares.  When they were refused this, they called a shareholder meeting to remove the pair as directors.  However, because the applicants did not attend the meeting, they then approached the Pretoria High Court 25 days later to dispute their removal on the grounds that, among others, the shareholders’ meeting did not have a quorum in their absence.  Lenyai noted in her judgment that “the applicants” had been given sufficient time and opportunity to attend but did not. “The applicants further contend that, in their absence, there was no majority of directors present at the meeting of the 7th March 2024 to carry the proposed resolutions… and it is evident that a quorum of the board of directors could not be achieved in the absence of the first applicant.  “The first and second respondents (the Patels), on the other hand, contend that they were justified in their actions and their decisions and actions are valid and binding. They aver that they are directors and majority shareholders of EPCM Bonisana. They aver that they had the intention of selling all their shares in Bonisana either to the applicants or to a third party.   “In contemplation of the sale, they needed to have their shares valued, with reference to various documentation, including but not limited to the company’s financial statements and current debts.”  The judge wrote that on December 1, 2023, the Patels claimed that they were forced to use lawyers to obtain the information after their attempt to get it from the applicants on their own failed.  The court said the Patels gave the applicants 14 days to supply the requested information after they became “aware of an alleged misappropriation of funds… at EPCM”.  The court notes that both parties accept that the applicants kept asking for extensions of deadlines despite being warned that failure to comply with the request would constitute a criminal offence.  “The applicants having failed or refused to comply with a lawful and reasonable request, the Patels sent another letter to them on the 14th February 2024 demanding that the directors of Bonisana meet to resolve that a shareholders meeting be convened regarding the removal of the applicants as directors of Bonisana [because] the shareholders have lost faith in the applicants and there has been a breakdown of trustbetween the parties.  “The shareholders’ meeting was called for 29 February, but the applicants indicated they would not attend. [So], the meeting was postponed to 7 March, but again the applicants said they would be unavailable.  “They were advised to join the meeting via Microsoft Teams and were also afforded an opportunity to appoint either a proxy or an agent. The applicants refused to attend the meeting or give any cogent reasons for not availing themselves. But the meeting, which had proceeded without the applicants, resolved to call a shareholders’ meeting for 22 March,” the judge wrote.  This is the meeting that the applicants went to court to stop because it would have discussed their removal as directors. But the court ruled the Patels were within their rights to act as they did, and that the directors meeting was legal.  The court dismissed Cowan’s and Odendaal’s application with costs.  Two months later, on May 9, Pretoria high court’s Judge Phiwokazi Mali reiterated Lenyai’s order and further ordered that Cowan and Odendaal furnish the Patels’ accountants with the documents they needed to value the company.  To date, that is yet to happen as the battle rages on.  In his affidavit deposed to the court, Ebrahim said during evaluation that his agent found financial irregularities that contradicted prior internal assessments, “exposing financial mismanagement, B-BBEE fronting risks and irregularities within the company’s financial reporting structures”.  “Mr Cowan and Mr Odendaal were either directly or indirectly involved in decisions or positions that came under scrutiny,” Ebrahim wrote.  He said that disagreements arose over how to manage the implications of the valuation, particularly on stakeholder disclosures, as well as financial transparency and internal controls.  “I observed that funds were moved through structures linked to B-BBEE companies not to empower black stakeholders or communities [but] rather to benefit themselves and those already in power. The system was manipulated under the guise of compliance, while real black ownership and participation were systematically sidelined,” said Ebrahim.  Ebrahim said in court that he was removed from his positions as the managing director and tender director in 2022 by Cowan, and Nicole was removed from her HR position and reduced to the junior position as a business administrator and tea lady in 2020.  “It became evident that this was more than financial misconduct – it was an assault on the principles of equity, dignity and justice,” said Ebrahim.  In her affidavit, Nicole writes that it became increasingly clear that Cowan and Odendaal did not regard her and Ebrahim as equal partners.  “Our presence appeared an instrument only for securing a Level 1 B-BBEE status, which was crucial for winning high-value tenders like Sasol, Eskom, RBM and Forkor. Despite holding majority shares, I was denied access to key financial information, including bank accounts and financial statements.   The Patels declined to comment, claiming they feared Cowan and Odendaal would use the publication of the story against them in court but a source close to the matter told Sunday World that Cowan and Odendaal failed to realise that by giving the Patels 73% shareholding, they would end up with all the power that they are now using.  Cowan and Odendaal’s lawyer, Riaan Venter of GMI Attorneys said: “From the onset we wish to make it clear that the allegations raised by Mr Patel is (sic) simply false and was done (sic) by a disgruntled shareholder with whom our clients are embroiled in alegal battle in the High Court of Pretoria.   “It is clear from your message that you have not investigated the matter and simply wish to publish an article on the strength of hearsay evidence provided by Mr Patel and you are advised that should you proceed with the publication of false and defamatory allegations, you and your newspaper will be held liable for any damages that our client might sustain.”  ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://sundayworld.co.za/news/fronting-backfires-on-epcm-bonisana/

Bizcommunity | 10 July 2025 Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has delivered the Budget Vote for the 2025/26 financial year, unveiling a R2.43bn allocation focused on sustaining tourism growth, job creation, and sector transformation across South Africa. Speaking in Parliament, Minister de Lille highlighted the budget’s alignment with the Government of National Unity’s Programme of Action, aimed at driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable state. She emphasised the importance of tourism as a key economic driver, referencing its central role in the National Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Master Plan. Budget highlights • R1.3bn allocated to SA Tourism, the Department’s main entity. • R331m dedicated to destination development, primarily funding the Working for Tourism Programme. • R331m earmarked for Tourism Sector Support Services, covering incentive schemes such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), Market Access Programme, Tourism Grading programme, and Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). Addressing oversight and improving governance Minister de Lille outlined the department’s response to Portfolio Committee concerns, including: • Finalising the Tourism Amendment Bill to address short-term rentals, grading enforcement, and governance. • Reviewing outdated strategies on heritage and cultural tourism, domestic growth, rural tourism, service excellence, and climate change. • Strengthening fund management with clear deliverables, 60-day approval targets, and consequence management. • Implementing a Community Tourism Aftercare programme offering post-handover support to community lodges. • Enhancing digital transformation through a Digital Maturity Roadmap, real-time tourism dashboards, and mobile tools. • Applying a Sector Risk and Mitigation Plan focusing on climate change, health, safety, and governance.• Increasing transparency via quarterly public dashboards on EPWP placements, fund disbursements, and risk metrics. Tourism performance and economic impact The Minister reflected on the sector’s strong performance in 2024/25: • International visitor arrivals reached a peak of 9.1 million. • Domestic overnight travel increased to 40 million trips from 37.7 million the previous year. • International tourists contributed R92.8bn in foreign direct spend. • Domestic tourism grew by 7.6% to R133.1bn. • 76% of the budget was directed to growth-and-jobs initiatives, with 40% procurement from SMMEs and 40% from women-owned businesses. • The Green Tourism Incentive Programme retrofitted 103 properties. • Support was given to 266 SMMEs at global trade shows via the Market Access Support Programme. • R144m was spent to train and deploy 2,305 Tourism Monitors. • Major policy achievements included completing the Tourism Master Plan, Tourism White Paper, and Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan. • The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, in collaboration with Home Affairs, welcomed the first Chinese and Indian travellers via digital visas. Tourism growth partnership plan The department introduced the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with five pillars to drive sustainable sector growth by 2030: 1. Ease of access – visa reform, air and road connectivity 2. Coordinated destination marketing – covering international, continental, domestic, and MICE markets 3. Tourist safety and security – awareness and crisis management 4. Tourism product development – infrastructure and immersive experiences 5. Job creation – youth employment acceleration and skills development An upcoming Execution Lab will engage sector leaders to implement these goals. Marketing and product development initiatives The flagship “South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy!” campaign reached seven key markets, boosting website traffic by 35% and generating 1.2 million digital engagements. Domestic campaigns like “Sho’t Left/Travel Week” saw a 9% increase in provincial travel and supported 914 new jobs. The Department plans to spend R20m marketing National Domestic Tourism and has commissioned new tracking surveys to gain real-time visitor insights. Efforts continue to maintain Africa’s position as a leading hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), aiming to increase exhibitor diversity by 15% for Meetings Africa and Travel Indaba 2026-2028. Tourism product development will receive R95m for the maintenance and enhancement of Department-owned sites, community tourism lodges, and branded routes in villages and townships. The department will host its first Tourism Investment Conference in Cape Town in September 2025. Minister de Lille reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging legislative, operational, and strategic interventions to strengthen tourism, remove barriers, and embed innovation. The sector is positioned as a catalyst for a resilient and inclusive South African economy. ‘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.bizcommunity.com/article/tourism-budget-proposes-r24bn-for-202526-367958a

Karabo Marifi | 9 July 2025 Tourism is a powerful engine for job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth in South Africa, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu. Speaking at the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Tuesday, Sotyu emphasized the sector’s role in uniting citizens, visitors, and tourists in discovering the country’s beauty and fostering equality. With a clear mandate from the Government of National Unity to transform South Africa into a thriving tourism nation, the department is focusing on supporting small businesses, improving grading systems, and preparing for international events like the G20 conference to drive growth and create opportunities for all. Tourism as a Catalyst for Change In her address, Deputy Minister Sotyu highlighted tourism’s potential to tackle some of South Africa’s biggest challenges, such as unemployment and inequality. “The nation has given this Government of National Unity a clear mandate to turn South Africa into a successful tourism nation,” she said. She stressed that tourism is more than just attracting visitors—it’s about building sustainable jobs and ensuring economic growth that includes everyone. By showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and warm hospitality, the sector can bring people together and create shared hope for a more equal society. Supporting SMMEs for Inclusive Growth A major part of the department’s plan is to support small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), which Sotyu called “key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty eradication.” She warned that “economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion, and transformation without growth is unsustainable.” To help SMMEs break into the tourism industry, the department runs the Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP). This initiative subsidizes the cost of grading for businesses, making it easier for them to meet industry standards and compete in the hotel sector.In the 2024/25 financial year, the TGSP helped 2,970 establishments get graded under the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). This not only promotes high-quality service but also keeps South Africa competitive on the global stage. However, Sotyu pointed out a problem: some big hotels falsely advertise as five-star properties without proper grading. To fix this, the department has launched a Grading Criteria Review, set to finish this financial year. This review will ensure the grading system stays world-class and suits South Africa’s unique needs. Boosting International Appeal with MICE and the G20 The department is also working to attract international events through the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The South African National Conventions Bureau (SANCB) is leading efforts to bid for global conferences, which Sotyu said are vital for economic growth and job creation. “Grading of tourist establishments that host international events is a crucial factor in the sustainability of economic growth,” she explained. These events spread business opportunities across different regions and create local jobs, especially since tourism relies heavily on people power.The biggest event on the horizon is the G20 conference, which South Africa will host later this year. Sotyu called it a “catalyst for job creation” and a chance to show off the country’s strengths. “The G20 presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s unparalleled hospitality, world-class infrastructure, quality-assured accommodations, and experiences,” she said. The department is gearing up to make sure the event runs smoothly and that all South Africans understand its importance and share in its benefits. Tourism’s Broader Economic Impact Tourism plays a huge role in South Africa’s economy. In recent years, it has contributed billions to the country’s GDP and supported millions of jobs. The sector’s growth is vital for recovery after challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, but it still faces hurdles such as safety concerns and the need for better infrastructure. By focusing on SMMEs and grading systems, the department aims to overcome these issues and make tourism a stronger force for good. The G20 conference alone is expected to bring in significant revenue, with delegates spending on hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. More importantly, it will put South Africa on the map as a top spot for international events, paving the way for future opportunities. A Unified Vision for the Future Deputy Minister Sotyu’s speech painted an inspiring picture of tourism as a way to unite South Africa and build a brighter future. Through job creation, support for small businesses, and hosting global events, the department is committed to making sure no one is left behind. “As the department, we are very committed to ensure that no one is left behind on the knowledge, importance, and benefit of this G20,” she concluded. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://centralnews.co.za/tourism-key-to-job-creation-and-economic-growth-says-deputy-minister/

Sabrina Jardim | 9 July 2025 Business organisation Sakeliga and the National Employers' Association of South Africa (Neasa) have jointly filed an urgent application for an interdict against the implementation of the 2025 Employment Equity sectoral numerical quotas and accompanying administrative regulations. The parties are also seeking the judicial review and setting aside thereof. The application challenges the legality and constitutionality of the newly introduced employment equity framework, which introduces rigid race and gender quotas across 18 economic sectors on the top four occupational levels. These quotas, formally published in April, require employers with 50 or more employees to restructure their entire workforce to reflect national gender and racial demographics of the country, or face dire consequences, the organisations note. The parties explain that the legal challenge comprises two parts, with the first being a judicial review of the procedural acts of the Minister in setting the quotas, which they say were “fraught with irregularities and inadequacies in process”. The second part entails a constitutional challenge of the substance of relevant sections in the Employment Equity Act (EEA), which allow for and facilitate the setting and enforcement of these quotas. In the founding affidavit, Sakeliga and Neasa argue that the Minister did not act in accordance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), as she failed to adhere to the prescriptions of Section 15A of the EEA prior to the setting and publishing of the 2025 sectoral numerical quotas. This renders her actions unlawful and invalid, they argue, adding that the court papers, filed in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, reveal “glaring procedural and substantive flaws” in the Minister’s process. This includes failure to identify and gazette economic sectors; improper consultation; no lawful publications; arbitrary quotas; no socioeconomic-impact assessment performed; and violation of the Constitution. “Unless the court intervenes and grants the interim relief sought, every employer that employs 50 employees or more, in every sector of the economy, will be required by legislation to prepare and implement employment equity plans to make their workforce conform to the 2025 quotas,” say Sakeliga and Neasa. They argue that the time and expense incurred by employers in preparing such employment equity plans, or attempting to avoid or preparing for the consequences, with which the State threatens them when they inevitably cannot comply, will be irrecoverably lost to employers and to the economy. “From September 1, employers, their businesses, employees and prospective employees will suffer irreparable harm and loss when the attempted implementation of the employment equity plans based on unlawful quotas commences,” they argue. Individuals will be employed or not employed, and promoted or not promoted, based on unlawful quotas, they continue. Sakeliga and Neasa posit that employers will restructure and make other permanent changes to their workforce and corporate structuring, employ new employees and forego opportunities and take on the expense that this involves, all based on unlawful quotas. “This filing marks the next important step in preventing these impossible, irrational, and harmful employment quotas for the benefit of employers, employees, and all communities across the country.” ‘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.polity.org.za/article/sakeliga-neasa-lodge-legal-challenge-against-employment-equity-quotas-2025-07-09

Siphesihle Buthelezi | 8 July 2025 Stats SA has defended the integrity of its official unemployment statistics following a high-level meeting with Capitec Bank CEO Gerrie Fourie, who recently questioned the credibility of the country's 32.9% unemployment rate . The meeting, held in Stellenbosch last week, brought together Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke, senior Stats SA officials, and National Treasury representatives to address comments made by Fourie, who suggested South Africa’s real unemployment rate might be closer to 10%, based on Capitec’s observations of informal economic activity. In response, Stats SA gave what it described as a “comprehensive presentation” of the methodology used in its Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which it said adheres to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards and includes informal and self-employed workers. “Stats SA methods remain robust,” Maluleke said. “We do not fix statistics to feel better about our reality. We reflect that reality so the country can make evidence‑based decisions to change it.” Fourie, who welcomed the engagement, said: “We are committed to working with the government and the private sector to help South Africa grow. The informal market is vibrant and dynamic, but we believe this growth will only be achieved once the informal economy is properly understood and supported with the right policy frameworks, infrastructure, funding, and skills development.” Maluleke acknowledged that Stats SA was open to further improving the quality of labour market data, including exploring the development of a statistical register for small and informal businesses. “We have listened to them, and we need to investigate the issues of a statistical register for small business,” he said. The meeting followed Minister Ntshavheni’s comments during Stats SA’s Budget Vote debate in Parliament. She said more consultations were expected with other stakeholders, including in the short-term insurance sector. In a joint commitment, Stats SA and National Treasury affirmed their support for stronger data systems and continued engagement with both public and private stakeholders. “Future updates will be communicated as developments occur,” the statement read. Stats SA stated it would conduct "methodological tests and innovations" in the coming years to refine labour indicators and ensure better capture of the informal economy within the National Statistics System. ‘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/mercury/2025-07-08-stats-sa-and-capitec-bank-ceo-discuss-south-africas-unemployment-crisis/

IRR | 8 July 2025 South Africans have made their voices clear, and they want race laws scrapped, says the Institute of Race Relations (IRR).  Four months ago, the IRR launched its #WhatSACanBe movement. The What South Africa Can Be campaign operationalises many of the IRR’s evidence-based and growth-enabling policy proposals and has published numerous draft bills which the government can readily adopt to change course, and stop the damage to our economy and our society.  One such law is the #NoMoreRaceLawsBill. This draft legislation repeals all race laws and mandatory racial classification still in use long after the 1950 Population Registration Act – the very foundation of racialism in law − was scrapped.  Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth’s Employment Equity Amendment Act aims to make race laws more exacting by introducing race targets. These targets require individuals to classify by race and companies to closely monitor the race and sex profiles of their workforce to ensure that they meet the set targets.  Says Makone Maja, IRR Strategic Engagements Manager: “This makes Minister Meth the perfect recipient of the No More Race Laws petition. The petition is anchored in the tenets of the #NoMoreRaceLaws Bill and has so far received 12,373 signatures from ordinary South Africans who have had enough of race laws that rob the people they claim to benefit while enabling the political elite to amass enormous wealth. These laws are part of a culture of fake transformation − they do not develop, upskill, or improve the lives of fully half of South Africa's population who remain in poverty and are left to get by on grants.”  Maja criticises the Ministry of Employment and Labour for failing to move the needle on job creation, saying it has stood in the way of bringing more jobs into our economy and presides over some of the highest levels of joblessness, especially among young people, in South Africa’s democratic era. This is the department that clings to obstacles to growth, constraining the private sector’s employment-creating abilities. “Blame for the last 10 years of little to no growth can be laid squarely at the door of laws that favour patronage over merit and value-for-money procurement. We can no longer afford to insist that race is relevant at the expense of true development and economic growth. The Minister of Employment has the power to lift all job-creating constraints and she can take the first step towards this goal by embracing the #NoMoreRaceLaws Bill. We will provide her with copies of the draft law as well as signatures in its support,” Maja concludes. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://irr.org.za/media/irr-to-submit-anti-race-laws-petition-to-department-of-employment-and-labour

Investing in Entrepreneurship in South Africa, particularly within the framework of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), can yield significant benefits for both investors and our country as a whole. South Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem is ripe with potential, offering opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By supporting entrepreneurship, investors contribute to building a more inclusive economy, empowering Black People and communities to participate in economic activities.   It is one of the areas that link directly to the element of Enterprise & Supplier Development  under B-BBEE Legislation.   We encourage Members to consider incorporating upcoming Entrepreneurs when developing sustainable Enterprise & Supplier Development Strategies !

Generally, expenses on Bursaries  for employees do not constitute Skills Development Expenditure  if an organisation can recover any of the employee's expenses or if the grant is conditional in any way. However, the following two conditions are acceptable as part of an employee obligation whereby expenses will be recognised.  Successful completion of studies within an identified period; or The continuation of employment for a stated period following the successful completion of their studies which does not extend the period of their studies.   Members need to consider the above when implementing Bursary Strategies and agreements.    Skills Development Services   are available to assist Members to develop & implement Skills Development initiatives.

Johnathan Paoli | 7 July 2025 Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the small business sector through focused investment in skills development, stressing a crucial link between the government’s intentions and real-world implementation. Manamela was speaking during post-budget engagements with SMMEs in Cape Town. It was co-hosted by Food and Beverage Sector Education Training Authority (FoodBev SETA), the Insurance SETA (INSETA) and the Safety and Security SETA (SASETA) in partnership with his department. “We meet here today as policy meets practice, and as budgets meet the ambitions of our entrepreneurs operating at the frontline of economic inclusion in the food, insurance and security sectors,” Manamela told attendees. The deputy minister outlined how the budget would drive transformation across the higher education and skills ecosystem, particularly in support of micro, small and medium enterprises. Of the total allocation, R116.4 billion comes from voted funds and R26 billion from the Skills Development Levy. Key allocations include R14 billion for TVET colleges, rising to R14.7 billion in 2026; R3.1 billion for Community Colleges, increasing to R3.3 billion; R48.7 billion for NSFAS, rising to R53 billion by 2027; R96 billion for universities, despite a R1.4 billion funding gap; and R26 billion for SETAs and the National Skills Fund, growing to R27.8 billion next year. “These are not abstract numbers, but represent potential, opportunity, and impact. They represent your businesses, your employees, your communities,” Manamela said. The deputy minister emphasised that SMMEs accounted for over 60% of employment in South Africa and were often the only economic lifeline in township and rural communities. Manamela referenced the National Skills Development Plan Outcome 6 which prioritised support for entrepreneurship and cooperative development. The National Skills Fund is expected to spend over R659 million in the current year on SMME support, youth-focused programmes and cooperatives. In the 2024/25 financial year, the department’s procurement spend directly supported 366 micro and small enterprises, allocating more than R59 million, 36% above target. For the current year, the department has set a 50% procurement target. Manamela stressed the importance of market access, compliance support, mentorship, infrastructure and procurement opportunities. The deputy minister also commended the contributions of the three co-hosting SETAs, highlighting the scale and scope of their SMME-aligned programmes. INSETA supported over 2500 beneficiaries and invested R40 million in bursaries, learnerships, workplace-integrated learning and skills programmes, with many focused on small insurance enterprises. SASSETA disbursed more than R100 million across a wide range of interventions, including learnerships, internships, graduate placements and recognition of prior learning, specifically empowering emerging security businesses. FoodBev SETA invested R106 million in training over 2900 learners in areas ranging from artisan development to TVET and university placements which are key to bolstering South Africa’s food and manufacturing sector. “These interventions aren’t charity, they are investments in jobs, dignity, and long-term competitiveness,” Manamela said. As part of the day’s programme, the deputy minister, joined by FoodBev SETA CEO Nokuthula Selamolela, INSETA CEO Gugu Mkhize and SASSETA CEO Thamsanqa Mdontswa and representatives from the Mining Qualifications Authority, embarked on an SMME Immersion Walkabout at Makers Landing, a culinary hub at the V&A Waterfront. It allowed the delegation to engage directly with food entrepreneurs and small-scale producers working in the precinct’s production-ready kitchens and incubator spaces. From artisanal beverage creators to dairy and packaged goods entrepreneurs, the walkabout highlighted the tangible outcomes of skills investment and the real-world impact of public-private partnerships. Makers Landing, a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, is home to a dynamic food incubation programme and serves as a model for linking training to economic opportunity. Citing the 2023 Survey of Employers and the Self-Employed, Manamela noted that nearly 1.9 million informal businesses operate in South Africa, over 80% of which were started using personal savings and without formal financing or licensing. “Yet they persist. Our duty is to ensure they do not walk this road alone. Whether in a spaza shop in Khayelitsha, a catering co-op in Giyani, or a private security start-up in Vosloorus; we must match their determination with institutional support,” he said. The deputy minister emphasised that the budget must be more than an accounting document, but a mandate for delivery. “This budget must not sit in a PDF or a parliamentary Hansard, it must live in the businesses you grow, the people you employ, and the communities you sustain. Let this not be our last engagement. Let this be our annual commitment,” he said. The session marked a milestone in strengthening collaboration between the department, SETAs, and the small business sector, reinforcing government’s recognition of SMMEs as the engine of South Africa’s economic recovery and transformation. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://insideeducation.co.za/manamela-champions-smme-centered-skills-investment-in-sa/