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Qunintus Sliep | 25 August 2023 SA has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. In the first quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate for people aged 25-34 was 39.1%, which means that for every 100 young people in this age group, only 61 are employed. Such a staggering unemployment rate can be attributed to a few factors including global uncertainty, an economic downturn, and a growing mismatch between skills and demand. Though our government has taken several steps to address youth unemployment, it is critical that every business, industry and sector acknowledge that we all have a role to play in turning the tide on this growing crisis. Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can play a key role in facilitating the integration of young people across sectors, through skills and development initiatives that focus on training and equipping the future of the workforce for every industry. The youth unemployment crisis has several negative consequences for young people, their families and the country, perpetuating cycles of poverty, leading to increased crime and contributing to social unrest. The South African government has taken a few steps to address the youth unemployment crisis, such as the National Youth Development Agency, which is a government agency responsible for the promotion of youth development through skills development programmes, entrepreneurship programmes and job placement programmes. The Youth Employment Service (YES) is a programme that provides young people with 12-month work opportunities to gain work experience, develop skills and improve their chances of finding permanent employment. Additionally, this is underpinned by the Employment Tax Incentive to encourage businesses to hire young people, providing businesses with a tax rebate and B-BBEE points for every young person they hire. Despite these efforts, the youth unemployment crisis in SA remains a serious problem, strongly suggesting the social responsibility that lies in the private sector industries to take action and actively advocate for youth employment. In doing so, businesses can play a critical role in addressing the injustices of the past and building a more equitable society, while reaping commercial benefits such as improved operational performance, enhanced business reputation and ensuring the future sustainability of the skills and labour necessary for commerce. TES suppliers occupy a unique position in the labour market, ideally positioned to engage with all relevant stakeholders to address the youth unemployment crisis, and are located between employers and employees, within reach of various government youth development initiatives and the education sector. TES providers can act as a catalyst and conduit for change. From a young jobseekers perspective, TES suppliers are a means to access training programmes and upskilling opportunities that can enhance individual employability. This can help fill the gap between the demand and supply of the skills needed to revitalise the South African economy, equipping job seekers with the necessary skills for current and future job demands. From an employer perspective, TES suppliers can offer flexible workforce solutions that enable companies to scale their workforce size and composition in response to fluctuating demands. This flexibility can help businesses optimise costs while still providing work opportunities to individuals who may otherwise struggle to find full-time employment. Additionally, TES suppliers can help to drive youth employment and skills development in SA by actively seeking to collaborate with educational institutions to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. Continued monitoring of SA’s unemployment statistics, especially among the youth, is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of all measures. Despite post-pandemic obstacles, the adaptability and resilience of the South African workforce continue to shine through. TES suppliers can play an active role in turning desperation into hope. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/columnists/2023-08-25-quintus-sliep-corporates-need-to-turn-tide-on-youth-joblessness/

Many organisations choose to make upfront payments for Learnership salaries or wages. However, when opting to go this route, an organisation may only claim in the specified Measurement Period that aligns with the corresponding financial period. For example, in October 2022, ABC Traders makes an upfront payment for Learnership salaries or wages. In December, their financial year ends; thus, a new Measurement Period begins. At ABC Traders, following B-BBEE Verification, may only claim from October 2022 to December 2022. The upfront payment for salaries or wages between January and September 2023 fall outside the Measurement Period, so it will not form part of this claim but for the next B-BBEE Verification. The result of this scenario is that only the salaries or wages payment for October, November and December 2022 are claimable. Skills Development Services are available for Members for assistance around upfront payments for Learnerships.

A successful vendor application is what allows a customer to purchase goods or services and pay their supplier with pre-conditions. However, to get to the stage where business flows between a supplier and a customer, due diligence is essential to protect the customer and the supplier. Part and parcel of due diligence of a vendor application is requesting documentation which confirms that the applicant is a good corporate citizen with good financial standing. However, many organisations request documentation that is not relevant or in a prescribed format and which will cost the applicant time and money. The following is a non-exhaustive list of relevant information that could put an organisation applying to be a supplier into a favourable position. This list, however, excludes additional legislative expectations as set out by institutional bodies such as bargaining councils: Trading name of organisation and registration details; Require - organisation’s registration documents. How an organisation was registered, whether as a Close Corporation, Proprietary Limited or Sole Trader; Require - organisation’s registration documents. Shareholder information; Require - share certificates, Company Share Register and certified identity documents. VAT statement; Require - VAT Registration Certificate. Tax Clearance; Require - SARS Tax Clearance Certificate. Contact information; In most cases, this information only needs to be provided and not evidenced. Necessary information would include physical and postal addresses, telephone, cell phone and fax numbers, website address and, where possible, two contact email addresses. Banking information; Require - A certified letter from the bank to confirm account details, or a cancelled cheque. B-BBEE threshold indicated by annual total revenue; Require - B-BBEE Certificate, CIPC EME Certificate or an Affidavit. Black’ Ownership and ‘Black’ Women Ownership Status; Require - B-BBEE Certificate, CIPC B-BBEE EME Certificate, Affidavit, share certificates and identity documents. Confirmation of safety and compliance standards, for example, NOSA certification; issued certificate. Declaration of any ‘Conflict of Interest’. Acceptance of an organisation’s terms and conditions. Enterprise & Supplier Development Services are available to assist Members with understanding these requirements.

Daniel Steyn | 23 August 2023 The multi-billion-rand contract for the building and running of Mangaung Correctional Centre was supposed to benefit the community of Bloemfontein. But 20 years after it was signed by the Department of Correctional Services and a private company, Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts, very little is known about any benefits to the community. The multi-billion-rand contract for the running of Mangaung Correctional Centre was supposed to benefit the Bloemfontein community but appears mainly to have benefitted multinational security company G4S. The activities and profits of G4S’s black empowerment partners and a “community trust” that was supposed to empower the community are shrouded in secrecy. The contract costs the government R45-million a month and has cost about R8-billion to date. Some of the profits from the R1.8-billion contract to build and manage the Mangaung Correctional Centre, made notorious by the high-profile escape of Thabo Bester, were supposed to be used to develop the community of Bloemfontein. But though the price of the contract has soared to nearly R9-billion since it was signed in 2000, there is little evidence that this has happened. In 2000 the government signed a contract with a private company, Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC), to build and operate a private maximum-security prison in Bloemfontein. The terms of the contract and the full shareholder list of BCC have never been revealed. But according to the Department of Correctional Services there are five main shareholders, including three black empowerment partners, each of which owns an equal share of the company. One of those partners is a community trust, mandated to run projects to uplift the community of Bloemfontein. But apart from a relatively small education project, there is no evidence to suggest that much has been done to achieve that goal. The escape in May 2022 of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester from the prison, 28 km from Bloemfontein, thrust the prison into the public eye and the government is now moving to end the contract. At the time it was signed, the contract between the Department of Correctional Services and BCC was projected to cost R1.8-billion. This included R300-million to build the prison, and R1.5-billion to operate the prison for 26 years, after which it was to be handed over to the department. But the cost of the contract has soared, at a rate higher than inflation, since then. In April 2023, the Department told Parliament that it had paid R7.8-billion to BCC since the start of the contract and expected to pay another R2-billion until the end of the contract in 2026. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told Parliament that the Department was facing affordability constraints in meeting its contractual obligations. Multinational security company G4S owns about 20% of BCC and also has a contract with BCC to manage the prison. Every month the department pays R45-million to BCC for the running of the prison. This covers the running of the prison by G4S and other sub-contractors who provide catering and health services. But like the other aspects of the deal, details of the management contract with G4S and how much G4S has profited from the contract, are shrouded in secrecy. Although G4S has recently attempted to distance itself from BCC, referring to itself as a non-controlling “minority shareholder”, the company indisputably has intimate ties to BCC. For example, one of the directors of BCC is Cobus Groenewoud. He has also been with G4S since 2016, according to CFO South Africa, previously as regional finance director for G4S Africa and since 2021 as regional commercial director of G4S Africa. Groenewoud testified on behalf of both G4S and BCC during the recent Parliamentary inquiry into Thabo Bester’s escape. Empty promises of black empowerment The five key shareholders of BCC each own about 20% of the company. Apart from G4S, they are: Old Mutual and three black empowerment companies - Ten Alliance Mangaung, Fikile Mangaung and Ikhwezi Community Trust. These three companies were registered shortly before the contract was signed. Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts told Parliament in 2004 that the Ikhwezi Community Trust had been established “as a vehicle for identifying needs in the local community and using the dividends generated by the company, to address these needs”. Parliament was told that Ikhwezi Community Trust would have a “budget” of R225,000 a year to run projects with three main focus areas: education and training, small business development, and socio-economic development. These projects were supposed to run for “at least two years”. But whether they did, and whether Ikhwezi Community Trust has received dividends from profits made by BCC is not clear. Ikhwezi Community Trust is called a “Trust”, but it is registered as a Proprietary Limited Company. Trusts are supposed to be registered with the Master’s office and have a board of trustees and a list of beneficiaries. GroundUp asked the Ikhwezi Community Trust whether there is a registered trust that receives profits from Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts, and how the company uses its money to uplift the Bloemfontein community. They did not respond. On two occasions, G4S has also mentioned the Ikhwezi Community Trust in its Social Responsibility reports. In 2010, G4S paid the salaries of 20 teachers to offer extra maths and science lessons to school children during the winter holidays and presented manual skills training to 225 learners. G4S’s 2010 report also mentions a weekend extra class program run by Ikhwezi Community Trust. Asked whether the company plays any role in overseeing Ikhwezi Community Trust spending, a spokesperson said that “G4S does not control or have any oversight over the Ikhwezi Community Trust, as it is not a trustee, and nor does G4S have any involvement in trustee appointments”. We also asked the National Treasury and the Department of Correctional Services whether they play a role in overseeing the “Trust”. The National Treasury declined to comment and the Department of Correctional Services did not respond. How the other empowerment partners in the consortium have benefitted from the contract is also unclear. The directors of Ten Alliance Mangaung are Pappie Mokoena, who was mayor of Mangaung between 2000 and 2005 and again briefly in 2023, and his brother Lebogang Mokoena, a businessman who once sat on the board of Bidvest. Pappie Mokoena is also the sole director of Ikhwezi Community Trust. Fikile Mangaung is linked to the Fikile family, which owns several companies that do business with the government. Fikile Mangaung participated in the construction of the prison. The full shareholding of Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts and its empowerment partners is also unknown. Although Parliament was told in April 2023 by both G4S and the Department that each of the five main shareholders owned 20% of BCC, GroundUp has ascertained that there are other smaller shareholders too. These include the Consolidated Retirement Fund for Local Government. In 2009 and 2010, former COPE MP Hidagrade Ndude declared that she was a shareholder of Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts and Ten Alliance Holdings (the holding company of Ten Alliance Mangaung). The profit and loss accounts and balance sheets of BCC are not public and attempts by GroundUp to get information from BCC, Pappie Mokoena, G4S, National Treasury, and the Department of Correctional Contracts were unsuccessful. In the early 2000s, the Institute for Security Studies wrote a report foreseeing future problems with the long-term financing agreement and the lack of an independent regulatory agency. The report also recommended that the concession contract be released publicly. But 20 years later the contract is still confidential. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’ https://www.groundup.org.za/article/mystery-surrounds-black-empowerment-gains-from-bloemfontein-prison-contract/

Kuben Chetty | 22 August 2023 The BRICS summit starts today, with more than 40 heads of state expected in Johannesburg to discuss the expansion of the bloc, trade and partnerships in what is being described as a “new world order”. The inclusion of leaders such as Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, India’s Narendra Modi and the People’s Republic of China’s Xi Jinping would have been significant in itself, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has also extended invites to African leaders and the Global South. The Russian Federation will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while President Vladimir Putin will join the summit via video link. Putin and Ramaphosa reached a formal agreement for the former not to attend after the International Criminal Court (ICC), of which South Africa is a full member, issued a warrant of arrest against Putin for alleged war crimes related to the war in Ukraine. By yesterday, the SAPS and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department had cordoned off parts of Sandton’s business district in anticipation of the delegates. The theme of “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism” underpins the bloc’s aims including peaceful resolution of conflict, trade agreements that benefit partners, the development of economies and to commit to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the issues to be discussed is the expansion of the bloc, with 22 countries, including Türkiye, Indonesia, Egypt and Argentina, having applied to join BRICS. Another issue on the table is how BRICS countries can trade in local currencies. Professor Anil Sooklal, Ambassador-at-Large for Asia and BRICS and South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, said the summit would run concurrently with the BRICS business forum, which not only provided an opportunity for the bloc’s countries and the private sector to gather, but was also an opportunity for the African sector and private sector from the Global South to engage. “A large number of countries have converged on South Africa, and the business sector will look at deepening economic interaction, trade opportunities and partnerships.” Sooklal said the importance of the country chairing the summit was that it was also important for the continent. “The focus will be on the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and the opportunity for mutual benefit between BRICS countries and Africa.” South Africa’s overall trade with its BRICS partners has increased by an average growth of 10% between 2017 and 2021, and the bloc accounted for 21% of South Africa’s global trade last year. Ebrahim Patel, the Minister of Trade and Industry, speaking at the BRICS business forum in a discussion on the manufacturing sector at Gallagher Convention Centre yesterday, said there was a shift driven by the emergence of new technologies and innovations. South Africa signed two memorandums of understanding with China at the event to help fast track industrialisation. One agreement was concluded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) with the China Africa Development Fund, making R10 billion available to accelerate the industrialisation of South Africa’s economy, specifically the manufacturing sector. The other was between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Bank of China, which was described as a mutually beneficial agreement for increased trade. Patel said the BRICS gathering provided an opportunity for reflection and the sharing of ideas, partnerships and opportunities. “Member countries play a key role in harnessing green industrialisation and digital industrialisation to transform our economics, our societies and the lives of our citizens. “South Africa is ready to partner with all of the BRICS countries on the development of new energy vehicles and sharing of technologies, raw materials, and of capital and market experience in a mutually beneficial partnership.” Patel said he wanted to encourage BRICS members to enter into partnerships and joint ventures in new technologies and in green industrialisation. “Increased investment can be boosted by encouraging your companies to open manufacturing operations in South Africa and on the African continent.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/brics-deals-signed-ahead-of-summit-16b70ca2-02a1-4390-beaa-943d03569b5f

Sandi Kwon Hoo | 22 August 2023 Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul believes that a strategy needs to be developed to attract and maintain young skilled professionals in the Province. NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul believes that a strategy needs to be developed to attract and maintain young skilled professionals in the Province. During a visit by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, on the occasion of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), at Sol Plaatje University on August 18, Saul said graduates preferred to relocate to bigger centres. “No young doctor or engineer wants to come here. We must develop a programme to bring them back to the Province,” said Saul. He added that the Province would develop labour-intensive sectors to address unemployment. He indicated that R210 million had been set aside for equipment for technical schools, youth service centres, skills programmes for unemployed youths, and learnerships and bursaries in renewable energy. “An amount of R45.2 million will go towards skills programmes, learnerships, internships and apprenticeships for 991 beneficiaries.” Saul added that a trade test centre would be constructed in Prieska, along with a Fourth Industrial Revolution centre and plumbing trade test centre in Upington and an engineering trade test centre in Okiep. Saul said that R150 million that was awarded for study loans through the Northern Cape Premier’s Education Trust Fund had been written off. “A total of 223 students benefited from this scheme to study at various institutions of higher learning.” He stated further that 5,478 students had received assistance from the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at technical and vocational colleges. “Grade 9, 10 and 11 school leavers are encouraged to undertake vocational learning programmes.” Saul also highlighted the need for information technology infrastructure, high-tech resources and tools, and more lecturers trained in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), as well as the low enrolment numbers at TVET colleges, as some of the challenges. He added that 145 doctors are being trained, with 37 due to graduate this year through the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro medical collaboration programme. Saul said that 70 students had completed nursing diplomas while 33 students graduated in general nursing and 21 in midwifery as a means of creating a pool of specialist nurses. “He said 53 graduates were trained in the management of childhood diseases.” He indicated that 60 percent of academic staff at Sol Plaatje University possessed doctorates in philosophy (PHDs), while 106 postgraduate students were studying degrees that were needed to grow the economy. “There has been an improvement in teaching and research capacity, where 46 researchers supported the expansion of research relevant to the needs of the economy.” Saul also highlighted the green hydrogen project, digital mining, the ocean economy and Boegoebaai harbour as projects that could boost the provincial economy and international trade. Mashatile said the social pacts that were signed were aimed at creating skills needed to transform the economy and society through higher education, technical and vocational and skills training, innovation and research. “We cannot have economic development without higher education and training, research, innovation and development. “Most crucially, you cannot achieve any of these outcomes without quality primary education with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science education.” Mashatile stated that with its mineral riches, the Northern Cape should become the leader in careers such as chemistry, heavy-equipment operation, environmental consulting, mine surveying and geology as well as mining, geological, electrical and project engineering. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.dfa.co.za/news/strategy-needed-to-attract-and-retain-skills-premier-saul-39344bc2-1be0-4aca-acb0-bc5eb97a545f/

Murray Swart | 21 August 2023 The City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department (SD&ECD) introduced the youth-focused Rapid Employment and Development Initiative (READI) CT in 2021 with the aim of creating opportunities for young people to improve their skills base and participate in learning programmes so as to have a better chance to be employed. The youth development programme is made possible by the SD&ECD department’s Expanded Public Works Programme and currently has 46 youth ambassadors participating in the programme. The READI CT is a three-year programme that will come to an end in June 2024. The EPWP programme caters for various training opportunities by assisting participants with personal development and exposure to the work environment. The programme also allows participants to gain valuable experience when they are placed at various community-based organisations. Currently, six ambassadors are permanently employed at the City, and one has taken up a student contract. Youth ambassadors are an important example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. The youth ambassadors have been able to implement grassroots community development initiatives through the new skills that they have acquired through the programme and are able to not only grow themselves as individuals but also the broader communities that they reside in. ‘The development and skills training programme not only strengthens interpersonal skills but also boosts confidence and the ability to communicate effectively,’ said the mayoral committee member for communityservices and health, Patricia Van der Ross. ‘The programme is an investment in the development of the metro’s youth and the ambassadors can now assist other youth to understand how to access the many services provided by the City of Cape Town. I would like to congratulate the participants who are still actively involved in the programme and who have the opportunity to learn, grow and make a success of the opportunities provided.’ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.capetownetc.com/news/city-youth-to-get-readi/

Cape Business News | 21 August 2023 AGRI SA has submitted its comments on the proposed Water Use Licence Applications, Amendment and Appeals Regulations that were published on 19 May 2023. The draft regulations proposed that certain enterprises applying for water use licences to take or store water would in the future have to allocate shares of up to 75% to black South Africans in order for such water use licences to be granted. Given the legal and food security implications of the regulations, it is essential that they are reviewed and substantially amended. Subsequent to the publication of the draft regulations, on 15 June 2023, Agri SA had a productive meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation where officials clarified that the new transformation requirements would only apply with respect to the 1.5% of water resources in South Africa which have not already been allocated. The regulations are also not intended to apply to applications for the renewal of existing water use licences, or to the water use licence applications which will arise out of compulsory licensing. Agri SA welcomes this clarification and has included these parameters in our suggested reformulation of the regulations. Notwithstanding this important clarification, Agri SA remains concerned that the draft regulations, as published, are not consistent with the relevant provisions of the National Water Act, the Equality Act, and the Constitution. No provision in the National Water Act empowers the Minister to make regulations prescribing substantive requirements for licence applications or for the determination of licence applications. Even if such a power is inferred, the Act provides that, in issuing a licence, the responsible authority must take into account all relevant factors. This includes a list of 11 factors including efficient and beneficial use of water in the public interest, the socio-economic impact of water use, and investments already made by a water user. The need to redress past racial and gender discrimination is one of these 11 factors. By law, when determining an application for a water licence, the responsible authority must strike a reasonable balance between all the factors. Furthermore, the arbitrary and thus legally impermissible nature of racial quotas has already been established by court judgments. As the draft regulations do not allow for any element of discretion, they are so rigid as to be indistinguishable from a quota, and therefore invalid. A further concern is that the draft regulations reduce transformation to black ownership. Codes of practice issued under the B-BBEE Act utilise a scorecard which consists of five key elements, with ownership being only one. The other four are management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development. These elements should be taken into account by the Department. The inclusion of women as a previously disadvantaged group should also be taken into account. Currently, only racial transformation goals are included in the draft regulations. Agri SA is all too aware of the historical imbalances that prevail in the farming sector today, but the sector must achieve equality within the rule of law. Agri SA has therefore submitted a proposed reformulation of the draft regulations that take the above-mentioned considerations into account. It is essential that the effort to build an inclusive agricultural sector does not undermine the country’s food production. South Africa is a food-secure country and must remain one. Agri SA’s submission makes clear that were the draft regulations passed as published, they would have a potentially catastrophic impact on agriculture and the country’s food security. Agri SA welcomes the engagement of the Department of Water and Sanitation with the sector, and we will work with them to establish a water licencing regulatory framework that respects the Constitution and protects food security in order to avert the lengthy litigation which would result if the regulations were enacted in their current form. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.cbn.co.za/featured/agri-sa-submits-objections-on-racialised-water-use-licence-regulations/

Sibongile Vilakazi | 21 August 2023 South Africa will welcome people from across the globe as host nation of the 15th BRICS Summit. More than 40 heads of state are expected to join the important meeting of nations, the highest number close to a decade since the funeral of our beloved - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This is one of the most important and highly anticipated summits of the global calendar for 2023. South Africa, having declined in popularity at Davos, World Economic Forum, and losing competitiveness as player and continental voice of reason in the global geopolitical and economic arena, is certainly poised to recapture the attention of a significant portion of the global community through international media and the BRICS door. After three decades, South Africans have not been able to collectively effect permanent transformation on the structure of our highly concentrated economy, dominated by monopolies. This is compounded by utter disdain for the empowerment of professionals and an extremely conservative financial complex that locks them and the majority out of access of much needed capital, with very limited alternative entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial development pathways. Serious challenges in energy security have come to dominate public imagination, harming international messaging on the South Africa of today. This constrains economic growth and causes irreparable damage to households, businesses and livelihoods of citizens. Alarms have been raised on migration trends of a significant number of disillusioned professionals and youth in search for opportunities abroad and fear of diminishing prospects locally, resulting in a skills exodus and brain drain. South Africa is against the ropes again just as she was in 1993. Back then the global community got involved in a totality of efforts to see us turn the tide. This period is as significant and symbolic in the lead up to national elections in 2024. 1993 led to changes in the way the world viewed South Africa, from site of crime against humanity to Tambo, Mandela and Gynwala’s dream of a sought-after democratic society and destination for international investment, trade, living, working, tourism and meetings of the kind that will be underway this week. Many of this week’s visitors will have been influenced or impacted by this shared history. The nation is yearning for a valid vision behind which to rally to reclaim that position. This requires an inclusive process of meaningful, reflective engagement and involvement wherein professional bodies and the professional class imagineer the material outcomes of this important global gathering, to inspire social innovation and deployment of our most capable socio-economic and entrepreneurial patriots to compete for our desired future as a transformed, just and equitable society. The BRICS meeting gives us a sobering chance to see ourselves as others see us, proving that while in many ways broken, our global standing is not beyond repair. There is greater hope still, despite calls for South Africa to exit the BRICS block, arguing that she is an unworthy member, punching well above her weight. It’s time to sound board with accountability partners and sister nations of the world, so that as in 1994, we may earn their trust into 2024. When we look at the state of our institutions and feel vulnerable, we must use the BRICS gathering as a clarion call to the professional class and for the rupture of a skills revolution for the future of work. A community of member state professionals must employ international standards and competitive best practise in governance, management, leadership and innovation in order to action policy imperatives of the trade bloc. Beyond our energy crisis and despair, the summit must show us great prospects in areas such as the hydrogen economy and our broader integrated resources mix. When we look at lack of access to finance the BRICS bank and its recent performance on bonds in the JSE must show us what is possible. When we look at the structure of our concentrated economy, we must focus better and comprehend the rural and township economies and invite BRICS investment to unlock informal trade and small business development. We must shift our focus to emerging sectors of our economy such as Oceans, Digital, Creative, Green and soaring optimism in automotive and Electronic Vehicles. We must join the effort to realise the vision of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. Faced with sluggish economic growth, high unemployment, crime and corruption, we must use this summit to recommit to a global fight against severe structural inequality. As host nation we are reminded that the global community has not given up on Mandela’s dream. We do have what it takes to be the South Africa we think we are. We must visit Qunu, Dal’iBhunga’s grave-site for atonement and ask for light on the path to the global future BRICS must lead! ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/professionals-must-join-the-brics-summit-to-rally-sa-back-onto-a-path-to-mandelas-dream-11b9656b-bc03-4246-af83-1bed240b74e0

News Desk | 18 August 2023 119 women with disabilities, from rural and semi-rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, will receive learnerships and employment opportunities as part of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority’s Disability Learnership Programmes. HWSETA today launched two Disability Learnership Programmes at Uvongo Town Hall, in a month when we pay homage to women. The women will undergo 12-month training programmes in either Early Childhood Development or clothing manufacturing to fully equip them to enter the formal economy. 90 women with disabilities will form part of an Early Childhood Development learnership programme, while 29 women and 21 men with disabilities will benefit from a clothing manufacturing learnership. “We’re excited to be able to launch these programmes for some of society’s most marginalised women during Women’s Month. The programmes will see these women, and men, graduate with a national certificate in Early Childhood Development or clothing manufacturing which will open significant doors in the way of employment opportunities as creche teachers, tailors, co-operative members, and business owners,” explains HWSETA’s CEO Elaine Brass. The women participating in the Early Childhood Development learnership programme are from areas such as Umlazi, Inanda and Edumbe. Once they complete the yearlong Early Childhood Development NQF level 4 Learnership Programme they will be qualified as pre-school teachers. HWSETA’s training partner for this programme is the Environment and Language Education Trust (ELET). Director of ELET, Nareshini Ranganthan says: “Conceptualising and delivering programs like these meet the critically important goals of increasing disability awareness, helping to build a culture of inclusivity and creating the spaces for the disabled to realise their full potential.” As part of HWSETA’s other Disability Learnership Programme, 29 women and 21 men from KwaMakhutha and surrounding communities on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast have recently started working towards a national certificate in clothing manufacturing NQF level 1. The programme which is being rolled out by HWSETA’s training partner Future Discovery includes three months of theoretical training, covering topics like business and time management, followed by seven months of workshop-based practical training. Possible employment opportunities that are available after qualifying include creating cooperatives to manufacture school and church uniforms or taking up employment as a seamstress. Brass concludes: “7.5% of people living in South Africa have reported living with a disability. Unfortunately, many people living with disabilities have been excluded from actively participating in the mainstream economy. HWSETA is committed to providing people with disabilities opportunities for learning. It’s our belief that equipping the learners with an accredited qualification and a range of soft skills will enable them to build meaningful careers and provide them with equal opportunities to contribute towards society.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://yiba.co.za/more-than-100-women-with-disabilities-receive-learnerships/

Andile Khumalo | 18 August 2023 Reflections on the results of the 2023 Sanlam Gauge Transformation report. Now in its third year, the annual Sanlam Transformation Gauge, presented in partnership with the Sunday Times Business Times, is the only consolidated, sector-focused research report to take a holistic measurement of economic transformation in SA, accounting for all elements of BBBEE. Here, Andile Khumalo, co-founder of the Sanlam Transformation Gauge and CEO of KhumaloCo, reflects on the results of the 2023 report: Having been part of the team that launched and developed the Sanlam Transformation Gauge over the past three years, I have seen just how complex the world of measuring something as sensitive as BEE can be. I always thought I was adequately learned about BBBEE and the issues that dominate the policy, but the more I dug, the more I realised that these are much bigger and inevitably more emotive than I had initially thought. The amount of feedback I have received has mirrored this policy’s importance and its relevance to the prospects of our nation. However, the responses have also shown me that we may be missing a trick here. We may be focusing our attention on the wrong things. We may be spending lots of energy having the wrong debate. The overwhelming response to this year’s Sanlam Transformation Gauge report has centred on the question of whether BBBEE policy should continue to exist. Few topics are as polarising as BBBEE is in SA — everyone has a different opinion on its impact, how it ought to be implemented, and its relevance. Let us consider what the data tells us. Over the past three years, the Sanlam Transformation Gauge report tells us that all BBBEE sector codes, including the generic codes, have failed to meet any of their target elements other than for socioeconomic development. Furthermore, many of these targets do not even reflect the demographics of the country, yet remain unattained. Consider the black ownership targets of 25% or black senior management targets of 60% in a country where black people make up more than 80% of the population, according to figures from Stats SA. More than half of the BBBEE verification agencies that responded to a Sanlam Transformation Gauge survey attributed racism as the main reason behind resistance by corporate SA to appoint black people to management positions. It is possible that this lived experience of a resistance to transformation by captains of industry is what drives many to increasingly call for more stringent punitive measures for companies that fail to meet BBBEE targets, including fines and possibly jail time. Unfortunately, a “more stick, less carrot” approach may not be the magic wand required. Compliance does not always drive impact. Take enterprise and supplier development (ESD), for instance. The prospect of being included in the supply chain of major JSE-listed and multinational corporations has given a glimmer of hope to many small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs. However, these hopes have been dashed by the many companies that still prefer to procure from legacy suppliers. In measuring compliance for ESD, BBBEE points on the generic scorecard are awarded on the basis of the percentage of net profit after tax. In other words, if a company makes a profit of R100m in a year and spends R3m on activities that qualify as ESD, in terms of the relevant sector or generic codes it earns full points on this element. So, compliance is based on an input called spend. There is no need to assess the impact of any of the ESD initiatives to earn full points. This could be the reason companies score the points, but the impact is not felt by the broader target beneficiaries. This is only one element of the five in the generic scorecard. There are equally complex issues with ownership, management control and skills development. I am therefore in agreement with Sanlam chair Elias Masilela, who cautions us not to “throw the baby out with the bath water”. That is exactly what those opposed to economic justice want to see. On the contrary, we need to be sober in our assessment and be guided by empirical evidence and well thought-out solutions that are practical in implementation and impactful in outcome. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.businesslive.co.za/companies/financial-services/2023-08-18-native-bbbee-policy-are-we-focusing-on-the-wrong-things/

Akhona Matshoba | 18 August 2023 American multinational company Amazon Web Services (AWS) has opened its first international skills centre in Cape Town aimed at offering free cloud skills training to young people in the region. According to Amazon, the Cape Town facility is the third of its kind, joining the Seattle and Arlington facilities in the US. For the Western Cape province, the move means critical investment in the local economy. As it stands, AWS Africa has already ploughed R15.6 billion into the region between 2018 and 2022, with plans to invest a further R30 billion until 2029. Premier Alan Winde, in a statement on Thursday, highlights the educational and economic benefits of AWS Africa’s arrival in the country. “We look forward to working with AWS to bring powerful training resources to the residents of South Africa. By investing in our people and their future, we are also investing in South Africa’s future and advancing our stature in the global economy.” “The launch of this world-class skills centre comes at an opportune and crucial time, especially as we move forward to implement our recently launched Growth For Jobs Strategy – our ambitious plan to dramatically scale up and boost economic growth and job creation in the province, which fully embraces and incorporates skills development,” Winde adds. For more on this story visit moneyweb.co.za ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.algoafm.co.za/business/amazon-opens-skills-centre-in-cape-town