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Luis Monzon | 31 March 2025 The National Skills Fund, which provides billions in Rands to NSFAS, is being investigated by the SIU. Per the unit, the investigation will focus on alleged corruption and mismanagement at the fund, especially in how it procures tenders. The fund’s dealings in the Ekurhuleni West and other TVET colleges will be included in the investigation. South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has started an investigation into “allegations of corruption and maladministration” of the goings of the National Skills Fund, a public entity that is supposed to provide funding for skills development initiatives in South Africa, usually in the forms of bursaries and scholarships. A considerable portion of the entity’s budget is paid to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the country’s largest public bursary scheme that funds nearly one million students through their tertiary education. According to a statement from the SIU, the investigation into the National Skills Fund will primarily be focused on the “procurement and contracting for the implementation of skills development programmes, training projects, and the appointment of implementing agents for the following projects.” This includes such programmes such as the Centre for Education Policy Development, which is being earmarked for alleged fruitless and wasteful expenditure and numerous others across South Africa, including the Dual System Apprenticeship Pilot Project from the Port Elizabeth TVET College, the Ingewe TVET College, the Ekurhuleni West TVET College and others. “The SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure by the NSF or the Department,” it said, adding “The scope of the investigation includes any unlawful or improper conduct by suppliers, service providers, and other involved parties, occurring between 1 January 2013 and 28 March 2025, or related matters before or after this period.” As this investigation comes into alleged corruption and wasteful spending of tax-payer funds, the National Skills Fund is set to be a major financier of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s planned missing middle fund which is expected to be worth billions in investments from government to fund hundreds of thousands of students by 2035. In 2025, around 17 000 people applied for the missing middle bursary scheme, which is still in the early phases of implementation. Unlike NSFAS that is catered for poor and underprivileged individuals only, the missing middle scheme is aimed at funding the studies either fully or partly of technically middle class individuals who may not have the household income to study at university but have just enough not to be able to meet the NSFAS criteria. Last year, the National Skills Fund said that R1 billion in taxpayer monies had been paid to NSFAS to fund missing middle students. This is not the first time that NSFAS has been roped into an investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement of funds . Aside from investigating the fund, the SIU says it will also be sleuthing the deals of the entire Department of Public Works and infrastructure. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://htxt.co.za/2025/03/nsfas-funder-investigated-over-alleged-corruption/

Ashley Lechman | 31 March 2025 South Africa’s Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector is often referred  to as the lifeline of the economy and a new report has identified that crucial support is needed for female entrepreneurs. The report, commissioned by the Shoprite Group, revealed the critical need for targeted support for female entrepreneurs and improved access to markets and resources in underrepresented regions.  World Wide Worx conducted the research via a survey, which gathered insights from 800 SMME owners nationwide. It highlighted the diversity within South Africa’s small business sector, but also found significant systemic challenges related to gender, age, geography, and education. For example, while 51.2% of SMMEs are male-owned, women are more likely to own smaller businesses and face greater barriers when trying to scale. Entrepreneurial activity is also concentrated in key economic hubs, with Gauteng and the Western Cape home to almost 65.9% of SMMEs, leaving provinces like the Northern Cape with only about 1% of the nation’s entrepreneurial activity. The report further showed the economic impact of SMMEs, which varies by size and maturity. Mid-sized businesses demonstrate strong profitability, with 43.3% achieving net margins over 20%, while also playing a key role in job creation. Gender-based challenges, such as limited access to funding and networks, continue to hinder the growth of female-led enterprises. Geographic disparities further exacerbate this, leaving less-developed provinces with limited access to infrastructure and markets. To unlock the full potential of South Africa’s SMMEs, the report offers many actionable recommendations: Develop financial products and bespoke mentorship programmes tailored for female entrepreneurs. Support start-ups through incubators, funding, and simplified regulations. Assist mid-sized enterprises by focusing on workforce development, technology, and market expansion. Invest in infrastructure and subsidies for SMMEs in underserved regions. The Shoprite Group said it is actively tackling challenges faced by SMMEs through Shoprite Next Capital, a business division created specifically to equip and assist small businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Acting as a comprehensive support hub, it provides SMME partners with working capital assistance via CredX – a funding tool that offers lower rates than traditional banks, as well as marketing opportunities, packaging and labelling support, data sharing, product range and geographic expansion, and even potential private label partnerships. During the Group’s 2024 financial year, CredX provided R10 billion in working capital to 110 suppliers, while Shoprite Next Capital invested R20 million in Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), supporting 64 SMMEs during this period. Additionally, its spending on black women-owned suppliers grew by almost 9%, reaching R18.3 billion over the past year. "SMMEs are vital for economic growth and job creation, especially in a country with some of the highest unemployment levels in the world.  Our objective with this report is to gain deeper insights into how best we can further support and equip South Africa’s diverse SMME sector to overcome systemic barriers and ultimately to create a more inclusive economy,” said Maude Modise, Enterprise and Government Relations Executive at the Group. ‘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.iol.co.za/business-report/entrepreneurs/new-report-offers-key-insights-to-unlock-potential-of-south-africas-smmes-072ea85d-4cfa-4909-8925-d78d85147e38

Maanda Bele | 29 March In the Nzhelele Valley, where poverty and unemployment cast a long shadow over many families, the Boko Simango Foundation has become a beacon of hope and transformation. Founded three years ago by Joshua Boko Simango, the foundation goes beyond short-term relief, focusing on sustainable solutions to uplift underprivileged communities. Simango, a leader passionate about community development, saw the struggles of young people first-hand and realized that food parcels alone would not break the cycle of poverty. Instead, he took a different approach: securing donations from businesses, providing training in partnership with local organisations, and equipping the youth with skills to find stable employment. Since its inception, the foundation has changed countless lives through various empowerment programmes. It provides food parcels to struggling families, but more importantly, it offers long-term opportunities such as free computer courses, driving school lessons, and employment assistance. For many beneficiaries, the foundation has been life-changing. Tshilidzi Mudau, a 25-year-old from Ha-Rabali, is one of the young people who have benefited from Simango’s efforts. “I was struggling to find a job, and without experience or skills, it felt impossible. But through the Boko Simango Foundation, I received security training, and within weeks, I found a job. Now, I can take care of my family,” she said. Simango believes that true progress happens when communities come together to support one another. “We cannot wait for the government to fix all our problems. If we have the ability to help, we should. My dream is to see more young people becoming independent and using their skills to uplift others,” he said. ‘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.limpopomirror.co.za/articles/news/62161/2025-03-29/simango-foundation-is-a-beacon-of-hope-for-the-poor

Greg Solomon | 27 March 2025 One of the ways McDonald’s South Africa has seen a positive impact in addressing youth unemployment is through its partnership with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA). Together, we are training over 1,400 young people through a Learnership Programme, which combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills needed for the workforce. South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is one of the most urgent challenges we face today. With over 60% of young people unable to find work, the social and economic implications are profound. This staggering statistic represents millions of untapped potential and a generation struggling to secure a foothold in the economy. The private sector has the resources, expertise, and reach to make a significant impact; it is both a moral and economic imperative. Plus, it’s good for business and youthful creativity. A skilled, employed youth population is essential for building a sustainable and inclusive economy. The challenge is great, but so is the opportunity. Initiatives like our CATHSSETA partnership programme demonstrate what can be achieved when the private sector steps up to tackle youth unemployment. However, addressing this crisis requires more than just isolated efforts – it demands a collective approach. Businesses, educational institutions, and government must work together to create opportunities, invest in skills development, and empower young people to build sustainable futures. The issue of youth unemployment is deeply rooted in systemic challenges. Research shows that many young people, particularly those from low-income communities, are trapped in jobs that offer little dignity or opportunity for advancement. These jobs often fail to provide future financial security, career growth, or the respect that workers deserve. As a result, many young people leave these roles, not out of laziness or lack of ambition, but because they aspire to more stability, more respect, and more opportunities to build a better future. There are of course other aspects to inclusion. Our partnership with Job Abled to recruit individuals with disabilities and facilitate job-shadowing opportunities. This initiative offers learners invaluable workplace experience, with the ultimate goal of securing future employment. Since its inception in 2019, this partnership has played a key role in providing practical skills and improving employability for individuals who may otherwise face additional barriers. As part of this collaboration, we cover placement fees, ensuring that participants receive the support they need to succeed in the workplace. The scale of the youth unemployment crisis demands urgent and sustained action. While there is no single solution, there are steps that businesses can take to make a meaningful impact. Investing in skills development, creating quality job opportunities, and fostering partnerships with training authorities are just a few examples of how the private sector can contribute. Every small step collectively adds to a massive impact. If we change this unfortunate situation, we significantly impact the future of our country positively. It’s our legacy. It’s our responsibility. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://businesstech.co.za/news/industry-news/818098/addressing-youth-unemployment-requires-a-collective-effort/

Brakpan Herald | 25 March 2025 Carnival City has been running 29 learnerships since November and December. While the young participants have completed four to five months of training, they still have several more months to gain additional knowledge about the hospitality industry during their 12-month programme. The learnerships are divided into two groups – tertiary graduates participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa programme, which started in December, and Grade 12 graduates in the food and beverage and cashiering divisions, from November. • Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa programme Ten tertiary learners are gaining hands-on career experience through YES, a private sector-led initiative, designed to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa. The NPO partners with corporates to create job opportunities and offer 12-month work experiences for unemployed youth, who in turn, acquire valuable skills. Since its inception in 2018, YES has created about 170 000 work opportunities. “Youth unemployment is a significant socio-economic challenge in South Africa – a rate of 59.7% in the second quarter of 2024 according to Stats SA,” said Bryan O’Connor, Carnival City general manager. “Sun International supports employment opportunities and provides graduate jobs and bursaries, and Carnival City, as one of its properties, offers employment opportunities to young people when possible. “We believe the 10 learners currently training with us will gain a wealth of experience learning about the gaming and hospitality industry.” “We view opportunity as key,” said Manthiba Musi, Carnival City’s learning and change specialist. By implementing the YES Programme, we go beyond workplace experience; it is a pathway to meaningful employment and career success. “By providing young South Africans with practical skills and industry exposure, Carnival City empowers individuals and contributes to our country’s economic growth.” In December, Carnival City placed 10 learners who had just completed their tertiary studies, in various departments; three in the technical and slots department on the casino floor, two in marketing, two in finance, and two in the human resources and learning and development department, as well as one in the IT department. “By placing learners in key departments like HR, IT, and marketing, we provide valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for the modern workforce. In return, we gain fresh perspectives and develop a talent pipeline for future needs. “This investment in youth fosters a culture of learning and adaptability, ensuring Carnival City and South Africa thrive in a changing business environment,” said Musi. • Carnival City’s food and beverage division and cashiering division Over and above the YES programme, Carnival City opened its doors to an additional 19 2024 Grade 12 graduates at the end of last year, providing further learnership opportunities. These include 10 positions in the food and beverage division and nine in the cashiering division of the casino. “The programme provides practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, enhancing their employability and bridging the gap between education and the labour market”, said Musi. ‘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.citizen.co.za/brakpan-herald/news-headlines/2025/03/25/carnival-city-provides-one-year-learnerships-for-29-tertiary-graduates/#:~:text=Carnival%20City%20has%20been%20running%2029%20learnerships%20since%20November%20and,during%20their%2012%2Dmonth%20programme .

In South Africa, the pursuit of economic transformation and social justice has been a paramount goal since the dawn of democracy. Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment  (B-BBEE) and Employment Equity  are two interrelated policies that were created to promote economic transformation, redressing historical inequalities and ensuring equitable opportunities for Black people, women, youth, people with disabilities and people living in rural areas. While these policies have distinct objectives, they are interwoven and work hand in hand.   1.       Advancing Economic Empowerment:  Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) serves as a guiding framework for promoting the participation of Black individuals and communities in the mainstream economy. It focuses on multiple elements, including Ownership, Skills Development Management Control, , Preferential Procurement, and Socio-economic Development. B-BBEE aims to dismantle barriers and create pathways for historically marginalised groups to actively contribute to and benefit from economic activities. 2.       Creating Workplace Equity:  Employment Equity, on the other hand, seeks to rectify workplace imbalances and eliminate unfair discrimination. It mandates that Designated Employers take proactive steps to ensure equitable representation and advancement opportunities for designated groups, which include Black people, women, and people with disabilities. By addressing systemic discrimination and fostering diversity in the workplace, Employment Equity paves the way for a more inclusive and representative workforce. 3.       Addressing Historical Inequalities:  Both B-BBEE and Employment Equity are rooted in the recognition of the historical disadvantages faced by Black South Africans. Apartheid-era policies and practices systematically marginalised the majority of the population, limiting their access to education, employment, and economic resources. By acknowledging this legacy of inequality, B-BBEE and Employment Equity provide a platform for redress and empowerment, enabling individuals and communities to overcome barriers and participate more fully in economic activities. 4.       Skills Development and Training:  A critical aspect of both policies is the emphasis on skills development and training. B-BBEE encourages companies to invest in the development of Black employees, enabling them to acquire the skills necessary for career advancement. Employment Equity complements this by mandating employers to provide training opportunities to designated groups. By investing in Skills Development, organisations not only contribute to the empowerment of individuals but also enhance their overall productivity and competitiveness. 5.       Reporting and Compliance:  Both B-BBEE and Employment Equity require companies to report on their compliance and progress in meeting the respective policy requirements. This reporting process allows for transparency and accountability, ensuring that organisations actively work towards the goals of economic transformation and workplace equity. The alignment of these policies creates a system where compliance with Employment Equity requirements can contribute to achieving B-BBEE scorecard points, reinforcing the integration of both approaches. B-BBEE and Employment Equity are integral components of South Africa's transformative agenda. These policies go hand in hand, complementing each other in the pursuit of economic inclusion, workplace equity, and social justice. By addressing historical imbalances, promoting skills development, and fostering diversity in the workplace, they create an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. The implementation of B-BBEE and Employment Equity serves as a catalyst for change, propelling South Africa towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Over the last few weeks, consultation sessions were held between Industry Stakeholders and the Department of Employment & Labour on the proposed 5-Year Sectoral Targets for all 18 sectors. The BEE Chamber has attended sessions and compiled a list of all proposed 5-Year Sectoral Targets for all 18 sectors which can be found Here .   We are still awaiting for the final Employment Equity Regulations which will contain the final  Sectoral Targets for all 18 sectors for implementation. The BEE Chamber is looking forward to this!   Employment Equity Services  are available to assist Members with understanding the upcoming requirements.

LexisNexis | 24 March 2025 After more than 20 years, enthusiasm amongst business leaders for the Economic Empowerment Act may be waning, but 2025 is forecast to be the year that new questions are asked by government, with new consequences for those without answers. Although the renowned political economist Moeletsi Mbeki has recently called on the new government of national unity (GNU) to repeal the controversial Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy in favour of exploring alternatives to address the country’s unsustainable levels of black unemployment and inequality; enforcement of the act is forecast to become more stringent in 2025. Tshediso Matona, Head of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Commission, has indicated that he has plans to introduce additional incentives and potential fines to improve corporate participation in B-BBEE; proposals that are strongly supported by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Critics have argued that B-BBEE has been ineffective in addressing the country’s woeful state of economic inclusion and has served, in some cases, as an enabler of corrupt practices that has ultimately created opportunity for a few, well-connected individuals. Listed South African companies are required under section 13G of the B-BBEE Act to disclose their Black empowerment status in annual reports, but annually fewer are doing so. In 2022, only 141 of about 400 listed companies officially submitted a report (that’s only 35% of the JSE). Poor participation is of concern to the government and their stated plan is to showcase the benefits of the regulation, but also to be far more severe when it comes to penalties for non-compliance. In a statement given to Reuters in September 2024, Matona suggested that incentives could focus on increasing recognition for companies that invest in skills and enterprise development and the amendments would not be “too obsessed about ownership in existing businesses”. Publicly “naming and shaming” companies that fail to submit their annual reports was also suggested as a possible remedy by Matona. Amended Employment Equity Act In November 2024, a Proclamation Notice 231 of 2024 was issued in relation to the Commencement of the Employment Equity Act, No. 4 of 2022. ‘Some of the amendments to be implemented from 2025 include the deletion of part of the definition of a ‘designated employer’, the amendment to the definition of ‘disabilities’, clarification on the consultation obligations with representative trade unions, the ability of the Minister to identify national economic sectors and set numerical targets for any such sectors, and the introduction of criteria to be met by an employer in order for a certificate of compliance to be issued by the Department of Employment & Labour.’ Skills development, job creation and inclusive procurement practices are all part of a clear policy shift that can be seen as going from being transactional to transformational. How will this shift affect your business compliance with the Act? With more at stake it is critical that businesses review the Employment Equity changes that will apply to them and their sector and set about the process of improving their B-BBEE scores while achieving overall compliance in 2025. To simplify and fast-track a deeper understanding of the applicable changes, the latest practice area that has been added to LexisNexis Practical Guidance – a legal research and workflow tool, available to Lexis Library and Lexis+ subscribers, designed to provide practical, step-by-step guidance for legal professionals – offers an extensive range of Employment Equity Act related topics, that include important guidance related to: skills development, ownership, management control, enterprise and supplier development, socio-economic development and legislation. Sector Codes The guidance from LexisNexis is also conveniently offered under various Sector Codes, detailing in particular how an entity will be measured and verified on the basis of which Sector Code is applicable. Sector Code guidance for entities that are in the transport, tourism, forestry, property, construction, defence, marketing, advertising, communications, IT, finance and agricultural industries is catered for. A moment to sharpen the axe With everything that has happened in the last two decades, many organisations may not be as up-to-date as they ought to be on the B-BBEE front. With the February audit season now upon us, now is the opportune time to refresh understanding of which parts of the act are applicable to your business and where your scores can be greatly improved to your advantage. With the right tools, the process can be made easier and less confusing. Business will no doubt play a critical role in the ongoing transformation of South African society. Creating more growth and prosperity for everyone in the country is the pathway towards a nation that we all know can be created. Now is the moment to participate actively in the transformation process by the renewing of a commitment to B-BBEE compliance. ‘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.golegal.co.za/business-bbbee-compliance/

Anton Harbor | 19 March 2025 The claim that South Africa has 142 active racial laws on the statute books is seriously misleading, containing many laws that can only be seen as race-based through deeply ideological eyes. The claim that South Africa has 142 active racial laws on the statute books has been cited repeatedly in recent weeks. AfriForum quotes the 142 number to show that our government is “the most race-mad government in the world”, and as an illustration of discrimination against whites: “Racially discriminatory laws were wrong in the past, and they are wrong in the present,” they write on their website. Rightwing media, such as the website Vierkleur, says that these laws “dictate who gets access to various opportunities, resources, and rights, all based on skin colour”. The number 142 “exceeds those from the apartheid era, an alarming reality in a country that once vowed to move beyond racial segregation”. The Free Market Foundation uses it to “to show that race law is alive and well in South Africa”. Even independent researcher Ayanda Sakhile Zulu, writing in the Mail & Guardian, accepts it as fact: “South Africa currently has 142 race-based laws… This is a fact that all South Africans who believe in a truly just society, where all are treated equally, should be deeply concerned about.” The claim no doubt lies behind the Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille tweet that “there are more racist laws today than under apartheid”. Elon Musk has retweeted the 142 race laws claim to his 220 million followers on X. And it probably motivated US President Donald Trump’s reference in his executive order to “countless (South African) government policies designed to dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business”. Seriously misleading The claim originates in an SA Institute of Race Relations website , based on research by rightwing commentator Martin van Staden. But even a quick look at his list makes it clear that it is seriously misleading, containing many laws that can only be seen as race-based through deeply ideological eyes. Their method for defining a race law is “laughably broad”, William Shoki wrote in the New York Times earlier this year. Even laws that prohibit discrimination are listed. The list “does not pass judgement on the desirability or not of a given law, or on whether it is relatively innocuous or not”, Van Staden told me. “It only inquires into whether the act makes or keeps race a legally relevant factor, or empowers a minister or regulator or other functionary to keep race as a legally relevant factor.” The site itself labels these “race laws”, and the likes of Zille have stretched this to “racist laws”. And the information is used — misleadingly — to suggest South Africa is a more racial and racist society than it was under apartheid. I chose eight laws listed as “operative” and “racial” and examined them closely. I found long-redundant laws, some that make no mention of race, some that mention race only to prohibit discrimination and some that allow for no more than recording demographic details. While there are a few that could arguably be labelled “racial”, such as the Black Economic Empowerment legislation, the claim that there are 142 active race laws is a serious distortion. The list says more about its compilers than about the country, in that it reflects an ideological rejection of inclusiveness, representivity, anti-discrimination and any attempt at redress of South Africa’s racial and gender history. The 1921 Bethelsdorp Settlement Act is perhaps the most ludicrous inclusion on the list. Long dormant and irrelevant, the Law Commission recommended its formal withdrawal a decade ago. Then there is the Deeds Registries Act , which the list says was “racialised” in a 2024 amendment and which Van Staden now labels “the 2024 Group Areas Act”, comparing it to one of the most damaging and discriminatory apartheid laws. The sole reference to race in the act is to empower the registrar to record the demographic details of a land purchaser, such as race, gender, citizenship and nationality, “for statistical and land audit purposes only”. The government would be remiss if it did not collect this information and there is no suggestion that the law is discriminatory in any way. The 1997 SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport Act does not mention race, but is on the list because it says that in making appointments to the board, the minister shall “take into account guidelines or policies to promote equity, representivity and their redress in sport”. Given this country’s long history of discrimination in sport and ongoing inequality in sporting opportunities, this seems a very mild attempt at redress. The 1997 Lotteries Act is on the list because “applicants for licences must show clear and continuous commitment to the advancement, upliftment and economic empowerment of persons disadvantaged by discrimination”. It does not say race, but allows for any form of discrimination — perhaps including Afrikaners who consider themselves unfairly treated. The 1998 Marine Living Resources Act has as one of its aims “to address historical imbalances and achieve equity in the industry” and creates a Fishing Transformation Council “to achieve fair and equitable access” to fishing rights. Again, those who drew up the list reject even the most benign attempt to achieve equity and correct imbalances. The 1998 National Water Act states a number of times the need to “redress the results of past race and gender discrimination”. It is interesting that the compilers of the list ignore attempts to address other forms of discrimination, like gender. Reference to race I had to search carefully through the 1998 National Libraries Act to find a reference to race. There are none, but Van Staden tells me that the problem lies in the section that says that in making appointments to the board, the minister “must apply the principles of transparency and representivity”. How, you might ask, does race come into the SA Weather Services Act of 2001 ? It seems that the problem is that the minister is required to ensure that the board is “broadly representative of South African society” and must “set policy for recruitment, training and transformation of the Weather Service”. I could go on through the list of laws, but it is clear that many of the so-called “race laws” do little more than promote inclusivity and representivity — hardly a surprise in a country where until recently most of these positions were reserved by race and gender. There is another critical difference between today’s laws and apartheid law. Under apartheid, racial categorisation was imposed by law and implemented forcibly by low-level bureaucrats. The current law is based on self-identification — a very different treatment of race. Also, today’s laws are governed by our Constitution, which outlaws discrimination unless it is done for the purpose of redress for historical inequities. Anything that goes beyond that is subject to judicial scrutiny. All of which adds up to the fact that to say that we have more race laws than ever before is grossly dishonest. ‘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/opinionista/2025-03-19-dissecting-the-142-racial-laws-claim-a-misleading-narrative-in-south-africas-legal-framework/?dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link&dm_campaign=main

Cape Business News | 24 March 2025 THE DLO Skills Initiative, which aims to ensure African labour, youth, and women are not left behind in the just energy transition, has partnered with Chinese renewable energy company Longyuan South Africa Renewables to provide 100 unemployed youth in De Aar with training in solar panel cleaning and maintenance. Over three months, students were taken through both theoretical and practical training to equip them with the basic skills and knowledge required for solar panel cleaning and maintenance. Youth unemployment in the Northern Cape currently stands at 42,4%. “The province is home to some of the first renewable energy plants in the country, and we see an opportunity to do something beneficial for the communities. The goal for us is to see more local people taking up the various opportunities in the renewable energy sector. I am most proud of the fact that this training went beyond the technical—we also exposed this cohort to opportunities for entrepreneurship, which is important,” said DLO skills initiative CEO Linda Mabhena-Olagunju. De Aar is home to several of the largest renewable energy projects, including the 342MW solar plant that is set to be the largest in South Africa. “We have seen a lot of interest in our students already from various plants in the area and are confident that most will be able to utilise their learning to better their future. During the training, we placed a huge emphasis on entrepreneurship because, ideally, we want to create more entrepreneurs in the area who, in turn, would be in a position to create more jobs.” Mayor of Emthanjeni Municipality, Cllr Gladwell Nkumbi, praised the initiative, stating: “We welcome the work being done through the DLO Skills Initiative and its partners China Longyuan and Power 1. Youth unemployment remains high in our community and projects like this go a long way in equipping the youth with tangible skills through which they can find employment or become self-employed. We hope to see this programme expanded. De Aar is known for renewable energy, but it is extremely important that its people are trained to be able to take advantage of opportunities in this sector.” Over and above the three-month training, the DLO Skills Initiative has established an alumni network to facilitate peer support, information sharing, and career advancement opportunities. This network will serve as a platform for continuous learning and collaboration among graduates and industry professionals. ‘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.cbn.co.za/industry-news/skills-training-development-news/dlo-partners-with-a-chinese-company-to-train-100-unemployed-youth-in-de-aar/

Donald MacKay  | 23 March 2025 Government policies are an attempt to change how the market behaves (importing too much? Let's impose an import duty). When government, in 2012, decided to move money from packaging companies, car makers, and steel fabricators to the mini-mills (companies making steel out of scrap metal), by way of the Price Preference System (PPS), and then later friendly Industrial Development Corporation finance and export duties, they made the steel from mini-mills cheaper relative to both imports and steel from ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa). That is what economists call a trade-off and every policy decision has one, whether taken deliberately or not. Policies, by their nature, shift resources from one part of the economy (manufacturers, scrap recyclers, waste pickers, Amsa) to another part of the economy (mini-mills). This was the intention, but the assumption seems to be that shifting those resources would come at no cost. Wrong. At the end of November 2023, Amsa announced that they were looking at closing their longs business in Newcastle, identifying the scrap metal policies as one of the reasons for the closure. Lots of meetings happened between Amsa and government for about a year. There was panic but the steel policies remained as they were. We saw some action on the anti-dumping and safeguard front, but mostly meh. January 2025 swings around and Amsa again announced the closures of their long steel business but this time doesn't flinch. To keep that business open beyond January 31, the government stumped up R380 million. Bear in mind, we still have the same policies, but Amsa have been paid to stay open for longer while the haggling goes on behind the scenes. Amsa would like a few billion more. And then Boom! On March 19, 2025,  the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) published the biggest tariff-and-other-stuff review in their 22-year history, and it's all focused on steel. This review considers 609 tariff codes, over four chapters, covering everything from chapter 72 (primary steel and stainless steel - why stainless steel?), 73 (articles of steel, like pipes and wire), 82 (tools and cutlery), and 83 (miscellaneous steel articles, like padlocks). This is R67 billion worth of imports. 355 of those tariff codes are being considered for a duty increase, adding R1.76bn to the tariff bill if they are all approved. Three rebates (duty exemptions) might be removed, costing the 24 importers who use these rebates R87 million in duties per year if they go. Import permits are being considered for 61% of all steel imports. In other words, it's not just about the tariff anymore. You may be faced with a simple refusal to be allowed to import. It doesn't end there. With no detail being provided, scrap metal (again), iron ore, and coking coal are being reviewed to see how their cost can be brought down to local consumers. Itac might, in other words, be looking to extend PPS to iron ore and coal. We exported R104bn of bituminous coal and R109bn of iron ore in 2024. Imagine the impact of now forcing these mines, already under strain from our rail and ports, to also offer their minerals at a discount locally before being allowed to obtain an export permit. Itac has understandably complained about the difficulties in doing this on scrap metal. Imagine now doing this on a scale 20 times (at least) bigger than scrap metal. Oh and possible safeguards and compulsory standards on "high-risk steel products". Interested parties have four weeks (April 16) to comment. Yes, seriously. The promise is that tariff investigations will complete in six months, but they take on average 27 months and those only cover a small handful of tariff codes each. If we take every single other open tariff investigation, some of which have been open for over 50 months, it is but a fraction of the scope of this investigation. Itac have to give initial feedback to the Minister by the end of June 2025. There are nine other open tariff investigations covering these four chapters, along with three anti-dumping and two safeguard investigations. Oh wait! An anti-dumping investigation just kicked off on March 20, 202 3 on galvanised steel from China. The scale of the trade-offs to be made in this investigation are staggering. My concern is not with the scope so much as all of this is happening in a single review. It's like everything that was not done in the steel sector in a decade is now being done in a month. Itac have still not published the results of their review of PPS on scrap metal, which was completed months ago. Given the enormous impact of this policy on Amsa, and the inclusion of scrap in this review, it's really important to publish the outcome of that review, before looking at other ways to reduce the price of scrap steel. Consequential decisions made under pressure, even by the greatest minds, carry disproportionate risk. The downstream sector, employing 90% of the people in the steel value chain, is at existential risk. But so is Amsa and so are the mini-mills. It is not possible to please everyone. I hope the policy makers are carefully counting the cost of the decisions they are about to take on the steel sector. There will be losers. Let's not pretend otherwise. No matter what is decided, the steel industry will never look the same. ‘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.iol.co.za/business-report/opinion/navigating-the-impact-of-government-decisions-on-south-africas-steel-sector-donald-mackay-4e59e05c-08b8-4729-a7a3-eb9ea2a61945

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