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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Live | 13 July 2023 The 2023 Sanlam Transformation Gauge report will provide a three-year comparative view of progress and trends affecting economic transformation in the country. It's been 20 years since the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act was introduced to address inequalities in SA. Now it's time to evaluate whether BBBEE has delivered the positive benefits it set out to achieve. Is the country positively transforming? Is it happening at pace, or being slowed down by a lack of commitment by corporate SA, corruption and narrow self-interests? The annual Sanlam Transformation Gauge Report aims to answer these questions. Published in partnership with the Sunday Times Business Times, it's the only consolidated, sector-focused research report that takes a holistic measurement of economic transformation in SA, accounting for all elements of BBBEE. The 2023 edition of the report will also provide a three-year comparative view of progress and trends affecting economic transformation in the country. Register now for the virtual Sanlam Transformation Gauge Conference on July 18, when the findings from this year's report will be unpacked. During this insightful event, Sanlam chair Elias Masilela will explore the evolution and impact of BBBEE since its inception, critically examining its efficacy in addressing historical injustices and fostering economic transformation. How transformation and economic inclusion reflects on a BBBEE scorecard, and how it plays out in the lives of real people, is often very different. In an effort to close the gap between data and the lived experience, a panel of experts will examine critical elements of the BBBEE scorecard including ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development and socioeconomic development. Moderated by broadcaster Gugulethu Mfuphi, this panel will include: Mamkeli Jim, dealmaker: leveraged finance at RMB; Tabea Kabinde, chair of the Commission of Employment Equity and transformation consultant; Litha Kutta, co-chair: Enterprise & Supplier Development Community of Practise; Nozizwe Vundla, head of the Sanlam Foundation; and Disa Mpande, acting CEO of merSETA. For the full conference programme, visit the Sanlam Transformation Gauge website. Event details Date: 18 July 2023 Time: 9am — 12.30pm Venue: Online ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.businesslive.co.za/news/2023-07-13-native-register-virtual-sanlam-transformation-gauge-conference-to-scrutinise-progress-of-bbbee/

Western Cape Government | 13 July 2023 Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, and provinical Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, had the pleasure of joining the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), one of the organisations currently funded through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s SMME Booster Fund. The visit was part of a showcase of the work done with four of its partner SMMEs in Langa this week. BEN’s objective is to promote sustainable social and economic empowerment by ensuring a reliable supply of donated and affordable bicycles to disadvantaged communities and institutions. “Skills development comes in many forms and BEN not only understood this but also embraced this reality. The organisation has for years been building on its own skills upliftment capabilities, with the aim of embedding itself in communities where skills development will have the most impact,” said Premier Winde. Minister Wenger added, “The Western Cape Government is on a mission to achieve break-out economic growth by enabling the private sector to grow, and thereby, to create many more jobs in the province. This is the heart of our bold new economic action plan, Growth for Jobs. Which is why it was truly wonderful to see the positive impact the SMME Booster Fund is having on enabling township-based business to get set up and to thrive. I particularly enjoyed speaking with some of the young people employed by Cloudy Deliveries, who deliver groceries directly to people’s homes in and around Langa.” With the funding provided by the SMME Booster Fund, BEN is providing basic mechanic training to young bike mechanics in four local businesses, including Cloudy Deliveries, Langa Bicycle Hub, iKhaya le Langa, and Langa Pump Track initiative. BEN is also supplying new bikes to both Cloudy Deliveries and the Langa Pump Track initiative. “Its aim to empower particularly young people with skills in the field of bicycle maintenance speaks to the growing realisation of the importance of this mode of transport in our province in connecting communities to economic opportunities and decongesting our roads. Our role as government is to create an environment that allows organisations like BEN and its initiatives to keep growing. This is the backbone to our Growth for Jobs Strategy. It is an honour to be able to help BEN and its partners in building up skills in a form of transport, a pastime and sport that is very close to my heart.” said Premier Winde. “Since 2019, this programme has assisted 860 SMMEs, thereby helping to sustain 4 977 jobs. In addition to this, the Booster Fund has also helped these SMMEs to grow, creating an additional 651 jobs. Applications for the 2023 iteration of Fund closed on Monday this week and I look forward to announcing the successful organisations soon as we continue to support entrepreneurs and SMMEs as the driving force behind economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape and South Africa,” concluded Minister Wenger. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/celebrating-smme-booster-fund%E2%80%99s-success-langa%E2%80%99s-bicycle-empowerment-network

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Busi Kheswa | 13 July 2023 Stats SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that youths aged 15-24 years and 25-34 years recorded the highest unemployment rates of all age groups at 62.1% and 40.7%, respectively. Levels of unemployment continue to engulf our thoughts and energy, more so as we believe that sustainable livelihoods programmes will bring about pride, joy and to some extent bestow and restore some level of dignity. With Gauteng being the most populous province in SA, this number will be quite significant due to a number of reasons including young people migrating from their home provinces in search of better opportunities in the province believed to offer better economic opportunities. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the youth unemployment rate, when measuring job-seekers between 15 and 24 years old, rose to 62.1% in the first quarter of 2023, the highest in a year, from 61% in the previous three-month period. Gauteng accounts for the most. The Gauteng government launched a programme called Tshepo 1 Million to ease pressure on youth. Various departments needed to contribute through various programmes to ensure this could be realised. As part of contributing to the programme, the Gauteng department of social development is implementing the Welfare-to-Work Programme (W2WP). This programme includes the recruitment and selection, assessment, placement and on-job development, case management, training and developmental education, support services and job retention services. It readies participants for the job market and provides them with work experience to get and keep jobs. Initially, the W2WP was developed to support young women who were recipients of child support and foster care grants, but was expanded to assist exiting foster care beneficiaries, victims of gender-based violence, recovering substance abuse patients, women exiting shelters, and all other beneficiaries to transit from welfare into the world of self-sustenance. The programme incubates individuals for a period of not more than three years, and based on their assessment and educational profile, individuals are linked to a programme aimed at ensuring they can move themselves out of the social security system. Beneficiaries are selected based on socio-economic factors such as: The age cohort (between 18 and 25 years old) Social status factor (from poor backgrounds – based on household profiling from GDSD) Passed matric Participants who are willing to, and are ready to, work Participants willing to, and are ready to, look and take a post-matric qualification/course Through the programme, the department provides accredited skills training through partnerships with accredited partners in the field of hospitality, fashion design, real estate, photography, beauty therapy and hair dressing, etc. This is done through partnering with non-profit organisations that train and offer unit standards and/or qualifications that fall within the primary focus area of the education and training quality assurance body of the relevant sector education and training authority or professional body. There is also job placement where participants are linked to job opportunities within the network of potential employers. June 28 saw 536 youngsters graduating from this programme. These young people got accredited training in hair, beauty and fashion design as class of 2022/23. One beneficiary, 30-year-old Thando Femmers who graduated in fashion design through the Sun Goddess Foundation, said he was happy to break the cycle of poverty at home as he’s now the owner of a growing high fashion brand. “I want to empower people in my community who are hopeless. I was once a member of the community with no aspirations, but I thank Sun Goddess Foundation and the Gauteng department of social development for giving us an opportunity to live a life with purpose.” Even though these interventions seem scanty given the magnitude of youth employment, the government continues to change lives one step at a time. Key to this change is being consistent and intentional in improving lives for the better through sustainable livelihood and developmental programmes. • Kheswa is with the Gauteng department of social development ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2023-07-13-busi-kheswa--gauteng-youth-programme-helps-beneficiaries-transit-from-welfare-into-the-world-of-self-sustenance/