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BR Reporter - 15 March 2023 Horse racing operator 4Racing on Tuesday said as part of a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative it would transfer a 26% stake in the company to a Grooms and Employees’ Trust. In December 2022, the Competition Commission approved the implementation of the 4Racing Transformation Initiative, which would see a 26% shareholding of the company apportioned between a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Trust (BBOS), the beneficiaries of which would be grooms and stable hands, and an Employee Share Ownership Programme (Esop) being established for 4Racing employees, it said. When the Competition Commission approved the transaction between Phumelela and 4Racing on March 31, 2021, 4Racing made a commitment to contribute to the transformation of not only the organisation, but the horse racing industry as a whole. 4Racing also said on Tuesday that it had appointed an independent Trust Administrator to handle the establishment and administration of the Grooms and Employees’ Trust. A total of 16% of the company’s shares will be issued to to BBOS and 10% to 4Racing Employees (Esop). 4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe said: “Grooms are one of the most crucial parts of the horse-racing industry. They are also traditionally the most marginalised stakeholders. This landmark approval by the 4Racing Board of the funding for the Grooms Trust initiative is a massive moment in the history of South African horse racing. “The Grooms Trust will genuinely empower grooms and stable hands, and we are extremely proud of the progressive steps being made to improve the holistic living standards of these very important stakeholders, as well as by the formation of the Employees’ Trust,” she said. Futhermore, 4Racing said an experienced medical services and insurance provider had been selected to provide cost-effective and accessible funeral cover and medical insurance that meets the needs of grooms, and had already started conducting a benefits registration campaign for grooms and stable hands, starting at Fairview Racecourse. This would be followed by similar registration drives this month at the Vaal, Randjesfontein and Turffontein racecourses. The grooms and stable hands’ benefits had been driven by a collaboration between 4Racing, trainers and owners, and the Racehorse Owners’ Association (ROA), which has committed considerable funding in support of the grooms’ initiatives. ROA CEO Natalie Turner said partnering with 4Racing on the grooms’ welfare initiatives was absolutely critical. “We are mindful that we need to strike a balance between stakes maximisation for owners, and playing a meaningful role in bringing about change and transformation in the industry. In this particular case, improving the welfare of grooms and stable hands is a key and critical element. This partnership is a powerful message of change and collaboration within the horse-racing industry. We look forward to participating in this initiative, jointly supporting grooms and transforming lives,” said Turner. The 4Racing Board also said it had commissioned a property solution company to conduct a thorough assessment and investigation into the state of the grooms’ accommodation at all 4Racing’s racing and training facilities. “The findings were that the Turffontein Grooms’ lodging was in need of renovation, and that the accommodation at Randjesfontein and the Vaal were well-maintained and that no immediate action was required there,” it said. However, 4Racing would renovate the existing grooms’ accommodation at Turffontein, where work on the eight-month project has already begun, with a number of grooms currently having moved to temporary accommodation while their living quarters are being renovated. https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/4racing-bee-initiative-sees-26-stake-transferred-to-grooms-and-employees-trust-64d8bbfe-643a-4004-8fe0-16fa94b0cd5d ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

Staff Writer - 17 March 2023 In South Africa, the local WFA affiliate, MASA has taken custody of the second WFA Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Census in this country, in an alliance with sister industry bodies, the ACA, ARB, IAB, IMC, Kantar South Africa and MRF. Source: www.pixabay.com South Africa - often considered a global pacesetter in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) following the country's transition to democracy in 1994 - is among the 33 countries participating in the second Global DEI Census in marketing. The census asks marketing and advertising professionals from around the world to share their views on DEI in the industry. The census went live on 15 March. Worldwide the initiative is supported by a coalition of 10 global marketing and advertising organisations globally with the equivalent local industry coalitions supporting the rollout of the questionnaire in each of the 33 markets. In South Africa, the local WFA affiliate, the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) has taken custody of the census in this country, in an alliance with sister industry bodies, the ACA, ARB, IAB, IMC, Kantar South Africa and MRF. The alliance will spearhead this project to ensure wide reach across the corporate, agency, SMME and freelance marketing landscape. Walking the journey of transformation Brian Yuyi, Masa CEO urges all stakeholders to take just 15 minutes to complete the survey and be part of the change they want to see in the industry. “This is the second wave of the inaugural 2021 WFA Global DEI Census. And as the South African WFA affiliate, MASA is immensely proud to be associated with this global effort working with our local partner industry bodies and Kantar South Africa. “We are cognisant that the marketing, advertising, and communications industry is facing the same challenges as the rest of the country. But times of adversity are the most relevant to take stock of what it will take to move us forward as an industry and country. Only by refreshing and adding to our body of knowledge can appropriate action be taken to address gaps in diversity, equity and inclusion," says Yuyi. “We believe that South Africa is rich in talent and potential, as such, the accountability is on us as a collective to walk the journey of transformation. DEI requires support, accountability and action to see results and create a sustainable environment. We are excited to be part of this conversation locally and hope to make an impact in the industry this year”, says Claudelle Naidoo, IAB Board Member and CEO of EssenceMediacom South Africa. DEI a critical success factor The DEI Census questionnaire is based on a format used in the UK by the Advertising Association, IPA and ISBA as the “All In Census”, but with slight adaptations for legal and cultural reasons. The primary purpose of the Census is to measure the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the marketing and advertising industry. It also quantifies people’s sense of belonging, the level of discrimination and negative behaviours. “DEI continues to be one of the critical success factors for the marketing industry agencies and the clients they partner with. As the landscape changes, it is vital that we consistently update our insights,” says Ivan Moroke, CEO, South Africa, Insights Division at Kantar. Moroke emphasises, “All voices need to be heard to shed light on the true state of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the marketing industry. And with key developments in the MAC Charter, the census comes at an opportune time.” The results will indicate how much progress has been made since the inaugural 2021 census, which covered 27 markets. Industry support The Integrated Marketing Council (IMC) is committed to the upliftment of our industry and is proud to support this important initiative however possible,” says Dale Hefer, IMC CEO. Gail Schimmel – CEO at ARB, adds, “The ARB is excited to support MASA and our international body, ICAS, in rolling out this census. The wider the participation, the more meaningful the results will be, so we call on the industry to participate. As we review the MAC Sector Charter, the information from this census will be critical”. Says Mathe Okaba, CEO of the ACA, “The ACA supports our industry partners MASA in rolling out the second DEI survey. The census allows a deeper, regularly updated understanding of our sector. The regularity of the census allows for deeper understanding of DEI in our sector and is critical in guiding our engagement with the MAC Charter Council on the state of transformation within the industry”. To participate, marketing professionals from across the marketing ecosystem – advertisers, agencies, media, ad tech and platforms – will be asked to complete an anonymous 15-minute questionnaire covering their demographic profile, including race, ethnicity, religion, age (in accordance with local legal frameworks) as well as their experiences at work. Showcase progress and highlight areas of regression The Census is open for responses until 15 April, with the global coalition working closely alongside national associations, multinationals, agency groups and all other relevant industry groups to promote participation. The Census results are due to be released in June 2023. The results will showcase areas of progress and highlight areas of regression. So far, over 100 organisations have pledged to promote and help support the initiative, making it the biggest collaboration within the marketing and communications industry to date. The inaugural Global DEI Census of 2021 full results and analysis attracted more than 10,000 responses, and its results can be seen here. Charter for change Since the first global Census, the WFA has published a Charter for Change, outlining how global organisations, such as advertisers, platforms and agency-holding groups, can take concrete steps to drive more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. The Charter is designed to complement action plans devised and driven at local level by local coalitions designed to address specific local challenges. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/423/236920.html ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.

The objective of a bursary is for a recipient to attain a degree. As I have an inherent passion for Youth development, I find it very fulfilling when, through my professional role, I am able to match prospective bursary recipients to bursary sponsors according to their Economically Active Population (EAP) requirements. The secret to the success of a bursary recipient and sponsor relationship is that it must be as seamless as possible. To that end I remove distractions, such as administration relating to the chosen institution, for the convenience of the sponsor and recipients. In a managed setting, the B-BBEE bursary end-to-end process is fairly straightforward. It can take from six weeks up to several months to complete, depending on the value of the bursary and the number of students. It involves specific documentation and checking student registrations at the Department of Higher Education and Training institutes throughout South Africa. The awarding of bursaries takes place on an annual basis. When a recipient receives a bursary, support is not necessarily guaranteed to continue the following year, as this will depend mainly on the student maintaining a good percentage of pass marks, the year of study (under- or post-graduate), as well as sponsor funding criteria and availability. Over the past five years, I have managed thousands of bursary recipient and sponsor relationships. Due to the demanding aspects of managing these relationships, I often reflect on the impact a bursary can have on a recipient’s life. I appreciate a bursary sponsor’s input and commitment when considering bursary funding and the investment it makes towards the future employment prospects of a bursary recipient. To reveal one of the students behind what is referred to as a ‘bursary recipient’ and the organisation referred to as a ‘bursary sponsor’, I would like to introduce Mikayla Eagles and her bursary sponsor, Italtile Limited, who have been active members of the BEE Chamber since 2019. As part of its Skills Development programme, Italtile awards bursaries annually. Italtile has been ingrained in the South African economy for more than five decades. Over this time, Italtile has moved from importing tiles through its Alberton outlet to being a national commodity. Over the years, it has embraced the core principles of a transforming South Africa, as its latest B-BBEE Certificate showcases a Status Level 2 and 125% Preferential Procurement Recognition. The Italtile Skills Development bursary scheme is an investment in people, specifically the Youth. Twenty-two-year-old Mikayla Eagles is one of Italtile’s bursary recipients. She was born and raised in Cape Town and is the middle child with an older brother and younger sister. Her hardworking parents raised her with a solid value system. Mikayla enjoys spending time with her friends and family like any young person. She loves where she lives, as she enjoys spending time at the ocean and outdoors, allowing her to re-energise and create a space to think. Sport, specifically competitive swimming, has played a significant part in her life. It has taught her many lessons that she applies daily, especially with her studies. Oh yes, she loves pizza and an occasional dessert. Mikayla, what led you to apply for a bursary? In my third year, I applied and received a bursary through the BEE Chamber, whereby I met the criteria. The bursary allowed me to focus all my energy on my studies without worrying about fees. I was relieved that it removed the financial burden from my parents. What were your most significant challenges when entering university? I attended a boarding school, which gave me the tools to be independent. I had to learn to do things for myself because my parents were far away. Thus, my independence shaped my character and personality and gave me the confidence to ‘step up to the plate’ at university. Although there were character-building benefits to living away, the transition to university did not come without challenges. I was not prepared for the increase in my workload or the expected standard and quality of work. I realised I did not use the correct study methods, as what worked for me in high school no longer applied at university. Then there was navigating the university campus and understanding the lay of the land, which took time for me to get used to. As I did not take up university residence, I was allocated a mentor through a Private Student Organisation, which did not provide me with adequate support. On reflection, a perfect mentor would have been a little older than me with experience navigating the university space. However, the university did offer orientation support to the new students, which went a long way toward helping me to adjust and familiarise myself with my new surroundings. What field of study did you choose and why? In 2021, I completed a BCom in Industrial Psychology. I am currently in my fourth year, completing my Honors in Industrial Psychology. I chose this degree as it combines working with people and business. I have always enjoyed helping people but never felt I could be a psychologist. Therefore, choosing to be an Industrial Psychologist allows me the best of both worlds, as I will work and help people in a business environment. I look forward to joining a well-established company where I can learn and grow through a Psychometric Internship. How do you see your future job prospects in South Africa after graduating? Challenging; the unemployment rate in South Africa remains high, and many graduates are unemployed. Unfortunately, this puts me at a disadvantage, as others in my area have job experience. Coming straight out of university, I will have limited work experience and certainly none in my field of study. Another challenge is that employers want job experience, as they are not prepared to invest in the development of graduates. Do you have any message for Italtile, your bursary sponsor? Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your sponsorship. It gave support when I needed it the most. I hope that you have felt the rewards of your investment. In providing a bursary, you enabled a young woman to complete her undergraduate degree and obtain acceptance into an Honors programme that only selects 30 people per year, which was no easy task. Thank you very much again. Do you have a message for anyone looking for a bursary to further their studies? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Navigating the websites and juggling all the deadlines during the application process for different bursaries was quite challenging and overwhelming. But, in saying that, it became easier to navigate when the BEE Chamber took over the process on my behalf. My message is to persevere. There are bursaries, so start the process early, research and apply for as many sponsorships as possible. Lesley Vaughan the Group Training Manager at Italtile Limited concludes. “Skills Development and people are my passion. I am proud to work for a company who wants to help deserving students who otherwise may not be able to afford higher education and reach their potential. We take such pride in knowing we have made a difference in a student’s life and being able to give back to the community.”

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Georgina Crouth - 19 March 2023 A Takealot collection point in Soweto. (Photo: Gallo Images / Papi Morake) Ecommerce is in its infancy in South Africa. SA's leading online retailer is helping to grow the trade in South Africa by nurturing entrepreneurs to thrive and become strong businesses while resolving customers’ ‘pain points’, Mahlare explains in a wide ranging interview. The biggest bellyache with online deliveries – that’s if using a reputable seller – is not that the clothes will be ill-fitting or poor quality; that the shoes will be the wrong size or that the grocery item you picked was substituted with an incorrect brand: it’s that you had to sit at home for hours, unable to run other errands, while waiting for the goods to arrive. And then to discover the order’s been messed up. Leading online retailer Takealot says it is acutely aware of customers’ “pain points”, which is why it is testing new collection options while developing technology to improve the customer experience. It is also hoping to invigorate the economy by driving a programme to enable more SMMEs to access markets while growing their national footprint. Takealot’s group chief executive officer, Mamongae Mahlare, says one of the key realities of the platform is that it is a marketplace and an empowerment enabler for SMEs’ access to markets. “We’ve gone from 124 sellers in 2014 to around 8,000 sellers now. This platform is powerful as an enabler for SMEs to be able to establish their businesses, but more importantly to also grow. And we’ve continued to improve on the operational support service on our platform.” Support for SMEs ranges from how to manage accounts and how to make money, to important factors for a business to consider, and how to get stock out in time. But what has become more apparent is the need for more support to become a successful business – skills that all entrepreneurs need to run a viable business. In mid-February, Takealot launched a programme to assist black entrepreneurs. This past weekend, it completed its first-phase boot camp in Cape Town; next weekend another takes place in Johannesburg. The first phase is essentially an accelerator programme which offers workshops and interactive learning opportunities. During the second phase, the 30 participants in the programme will submit their business cases. They will be mentored and a few may require capital to accelerate their business. Takealot will be offering limited grants to some worthy entrepreneurs, although Mamongae would not be drawn into revealing the quantum. The final phase will be practical, giving budding entrepreneurs important exposure in the real world and gaining life skills such as keeping records, basic accounting and registering their business/brand. Mamongae says this will strengthen their ability to thrive. “We need to have an economy that grows and is inclusive. Enabling especially black SMEs is crucial. We need to ensure that these SMEs are able to be sustainable. Every sale is important.” Power outage solutions Operating in South Africa under punishing power outages is always a challenge as generators, diesel and other mitigating solutions are costly – but Takelot has profited immensely from the crisis, as customers’ demand for “load shedding solutions” has never been higher. The website has a dedicated section to help customers stay connected in the dark; keep appliances running and generate power. “We’ve sold tons of load shedding equipment, which is helping our customers have more continuity in their day. When you have about 10 hours of outages, you need to be able to charge batteries, laptops, UPSs and other equipment. It’s a very important part of our business, which is why we’ve also invested a lot in terms of our service offering and our website.” The website also offers advice in terms of what customers might need for their particular requirements to ensure that they get on with their lives at home or at work, from economical items such as LED lights to high-end, pricey solutions. Deliveries On those pesky deliveries: Takelot is enhancing its tech to improve and shorten the window, but that will take some time as it’s a complex matter, Mamongae explains. For now, the number of pick-up points has grown to about 90 across the country. It is also testing collection points at two Pick n Pays – Table Bay and Brackenfell. This helps customers can pick up their parcels when convenient, instead of waiting for deliveries. Ecommerce is still in a developmental phase with enormous potential for growth in South Africa, which is why new players like Amazon – said to be gearing up for launch in SA by the end of 2023 – could help stimulate the space. “We are hopeful that [Amazon] will be a constructive player looking to grow the pie so that we can all build a sustainable model of ecommerce in this country. Because as it stands today, ecommerce comprises only about 4% of retail, which is over R1.2-trillion. When you compare it to other emerging markets, like Brazil, [ecommerce] penetration is sitting at between 12% and 20%,” said Mamongae. “There is vast opportunity for growth for ecommerce and we remain cautiously optimistic that investment will contribute to growing penetration of ecommerce so that you can grow the sector. Because that’s the only way it will make business sense, by growing, as it’s not currently very big.” BM/DM https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-19-takealot-ceo-mamongae-mahlare-says-the-ecommerce-company-is-trying-to-ensure-a-good-crisis-doesnt-go-to-waste/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba - 20 March 2023 The City of Cape Town’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector now employs more than 70 000 people. This number is anticipated to grow in the coming months, as UK-based Arvato CRM Solutions plans to begin operations from Cape Town, reveals the city’s alderman James Vos. Vos, the city’s mayoral committee member for economic opportunities and asset management, was speaking on the occasion of a site visit to two recently-opened call centres. The site visits were to Wipro Africa Delivery Centre in Century City, which is a joint venture with local mobile data platform, Rain, and Sigma’s office in Woodstock. Including its Woodstock team, outsourcing specialist Sigma employs 3 000 people in five call centres around the city, notes Vos, adding that their other centres are located in Diep River, Retreat, Mitchells Plain and Athlone. “I’m also excited to share that graduates from the Cape Skills and Employment Accelerator form part of the staff employed at these call centres,” he says. “This initiative is funded primarily by the city and the National Skills Fund that provides training and workplace experience in high growth industries for previously unemployed South African youth and women.” Commenting on Arvato, Vos indicates the company will be servicing clients from Cape Town, via international e-commerce company, Techsembly. The BPO sector, commonly referred to as the call centre sector, has been tipped as a catalyst in the fight against joblessness, particularly among local youth. South Africa has fast become one of the most favoured locations internationally for BPO companies, with the sector targeting 500 000 new jobs by 2030, based on industry estimates. In Cape Town, the provincial government has earmarked the sector as a priority industry to boost the local economy and extend job opportunities to more Capetonians. In 2021, the international BPO market in Cape Town contributed around R14 billion to the metro’s economy. “Thanks to the city’s investment into skills development and promoting Cape Town as an ideal call centre hub via our industry partner, CapeBPO, the metro has indeed become a world-renowned and sought-after destination for BPO companies. “Realising the potential of Cape Town’s high-growth industries will further boost the local economy and extend job opportunities to even more Capetonians,” Vos concludes. https://www.itweb.co.za/content/lLn14MmQKboMJ6Aa ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’

Darren Parker - 20 March 2023 Photo by Creamer Media The gold and silver beneficiation industry needs stronger localisation laws to protect local economic development of small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) who participate in the sector, says precious metals refiner Rand Refinery CFO Dean Subramanian. He was speaking at a ceremony celebrating the graduation of a new round of students from Rand Refinery’s Silver and Gold Mentorship Programme and Intsika on March 17. “We need to work together and ensure localisation through legislation. There's lots of excuses in South Africa why we don't have the skills. But if you look at the success of South African companies around the world, we do have the skills and I think we just need to make sure that the legislation is in place, so there's no more excuses,” he said. This comes as the jewellery manufacturing industry has identified jewellery manufacturing as a critical skill – with 80% of commercial jewellery in South Africa being imported. Subramanian said that the new round of graduates would contribute to increasing employment and local beneficiation capacity in the downstream jewellery manufacturing and design industry. However, the initiative needed to be supported by the broader industry, he said. “The aim now is to ramp up industry support with an optimised curriculum.” The Silver and Gold Mentorship Programme is an enterprise development partnership between Rand Refinery, Ekurhuleni Jewellery Project (EJP), jewellery retailer NQ Jewellers, and industry body South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator, which was initiated in 2021. The programme saw 18 SMMEs graduating from the class of 2021 and another 14 in the class of 2022, which graduated on March 17. “We remain committed to supporting communities and enterprises in 2023. With the intake of 14 new graduates, we plan to further improve the programme within optimised mentorship curriculum to create an integrated young talent pipeline; the Jewellery Manufacturing Learnership for learners living with disabilities, executed in partnership with the Intsika Beneficiation Project, will be integrated into EJP as an extension of the jewellery learnership. The learners will get an opportunity to progress into the Silver Mentorship Programme for further development and capacitation,” Rand Refinery CEO Praveen Baijnath explained. The optimised curriculum will cover technical sales and marketing, unique design criteria and the provision of a gold loan, together with further capital investment. Baijnath emphasised that students with disabilities would also be given an opportunity to learn the skills to succeed in the sector. Participants in these programmes are provided the tools needed to succeed in the growing marketplace for well-made beneficiated goods. Last year, the top three SMMEs participated in the Mining Indaba, courtesy of Rand Refinery, and the winner represented Rand Refinery at the London Bullion Market Association conference in Portugal in October 2022. “I congratulate the class of 2022 on their immense achievements and look forward to seeing them flourish and grow in the future. At the same time, let us welcome our class of 2023 and wish them well as they learn the skills and gain the knowledge to chart their path to success. We are extremely proud to champion upliftment through beneficiation and nurture local talent through the programme. There is no greater reward than seeing these SMEs showcase their designs to the world highlighting South Africa's potential right here on our doorstep,” Baijnath said. The company’s Gold Zone has developed into a hub for precious metals fabrication and community skills development – one which focuses on disabled and previously disadvantaged local talent. This adds to local growth potential, Baijnath said, which is being addressed in the Silver and Gold Loan And Mentorship Programme in 2023. “Ultimately, upon completing the Silver Mentorship Programme, they will get an opportunity to showcase their jewellery at the [retail store] Jewellery Village at Monte Casino. We aim to capacitate, grow and support the local jewellery manufacturing sector, which I believe is untapped and ripe for growth,” he said. Subramanian said that the newly introduced R700 000 gold loan into the programme added diversity and opportunity, with Rand Refinery already making 937 g, valued at R700 000, of gold available to SMMEs who meet the compliance criteria. To date, SMMEs have accounted for 70 kg of the 143 kg that was made available. The Intsika Skills Beneficiation Project was established in 2003 in response to the high rate of unemployment, skills shortage, and lack of establishment of sustainable small business hubs among the historically disadvantaged demographic of South Africa. The qualifications are aimed at helping create a young and empowered workforce able to produce world-class locally manufactured and designed jewellery products for the South African and international markets. “Further capital investment has been approved to upgrade the EJP technical and commercial campus and modernise the facility with cutting edge jewellery technology. This will accommodate students with disabilities and provide best-practice jewellery technical training,” Baijnath said. Additional enhancements to the programme in 2023 promised by Rand Refinery include clear and unique design criteria and technical processes, which will culminate in the design competition and receipt of silver. Another highlight was the introduction of a market access avenue with the launch of the Jewellery Village store at Monte Casino, Johannesburg. Subramanian said that the temptation for cheaper gold or silver is always prevalent. He said that SMMEs should refrain from faltering in their business by being lured into the world of using materials from illegal mining or refined scrapped with unknown provenance. He said the jewellery industry commands a high level of trust, governance and compliance but he warned of “bad actors who wittingly contaminate the ecosystem with materials of questionable provenance”. Only responsibly sourced gold and silver is sold at the store and provided in the programme. The refinery complies with the requirements of London Bullion Market Association responsible gold and silver guidelines for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals. https://www.miningweekly.com/article/rand-refinery-cfo-urges-for-greater-localisation-in-jewellery-industry-2023-03-20/rep_id:3650 ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’

Nicole McCain - 21 March 2023 Numerous challenges still face the country, the South African Human Rights Commission says. South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day on Tuesday. The day commemorates the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, when almost 70 people were killed in an anti-pass protest As South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day on Tuesday, there are still many challenges that prevent citizens from fully accessing their rights, political players have said. Human Rights Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960. During a peaceful protest against unjust pass laws, 69 people lost their lives and 180 were wounded when police opened fire. This year's Human Rights Day comes at a time when the country continues to battle several human rights challenges, including the power crisis, according to the South African Human Rights Commission. Other challenges included climate change and natural disasters, gender-based violence, unemployment, lack of service delivery, rampant corruption as well as crime and racial tension, the commission said. "As South Africa commemorates this day, the commission calls on all South Africans to hold fast to their fundamental freedoms in all that we do, and at all times to be reflective that together acting with dignity and respect, we will get through these challenges, and emerge a nation proud of its human rights culture and importantly united in our diversity," the commission said. Human Rights Day presented an opportunity for all South Africans to reflect on the "country's painful and unjust past" and the significance of the transition from apartheid to the democratic dispensation, the commission added. The Commission said: While there are many pressing challenges in our country, including widespread socio-economic pressures which continue to deepen inequalities, we should reflect that human rights should be preserved at all times and that it is most important to uphold human rights equally during times of strife, as well as ease. This is how we defend our hard-won rights. Parliament's presiding officers – National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo – said since the dawn of democracy, peaceful protests by every person or under political formations were guaranteed in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. "However, it is the responsibility of those who participate as well as the law enforcement officers to ensure that no one infringes on the rights of others when they exercise theirs," the presiding officers said. "Parliament promotes and supports the right to peaceful protest and demonstration and urges all South Africans, at all times, to act responsibly and ensure that no one's right to safety is violated and intimidated." Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo said that there were "challenges that continue to threaten the progress made as a country". "Chief among these challenges are the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality, a great socio-economic burden that is borne mostly by young people who constitute the majority in this country," they said. In a statement, the ANC said the country celebrated Human Rights Day "in difficult times". "We are aware that living conditions and the provision of basic services have seriously deteriorated for years, with a daily impact on South Africans' lives. Citizens of this country raised challenges in accessing adequate healthcare, electricity, food and housing, and complained of low salaries that make it impossible for people to meet their basic needs," the party said. The party called on South Africans to redress all historical imbalances while advancing socio-economic transformation. The ANC said: It has become increasingly urgent and important for us to intensify our work to restore the relevance, capability and credibility of the ANC so that it continues to be an effective force for transformation. As the ruling party, we will continue to fight towards ensuring that all people enjoy the same fundamental human rights. DA leader John Steenhuisen said that as South Africans commemorated their hard-won human rights, "we must never lose sight of the basic rights of which millions are still deprived". "Until all South Africans have access to three meals a day, until every citizen has access to housing and sanitation, and until all South Africans can live in dignity, we will never truly be free," he said. Action SA said the ruling party "eroded the gains made since the 1994 election" and called on South Africans to oust the ANC at the poll next year. "The people who fought so bravely for our democracy would not be happy with the state of Sharpeville today, with its drug problems and poverty. Neither would they be happy with the state of South Africa, and we have to fight to achieve their dreams for a better South Africa," said Action SA president Herman Mashaba. The EFF said the history of the Sharpeville massacre had been distorted by the ANC, adding that it "feels ashamed for not being part of the historic anti-pass demonstrations". "As a result, the substance of the Sharpeville massacre has been hollowed into a generic Human Rights Day to remove the prominent role of the PAC in sparking the consciousness of our people and the international community against the dompass system," the EFF said. "The EFF reminds the people of South Africa of the brave heroes and heroines who led the anti-pass campaign and reaffirms their role in the history of our liberation. Today, the rights which they fought and died for are yet to be attained in their entirety, as African people are still subjected to the apartheid labour reserves called townships and remain landless." https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/sa-still-battling-human-rights-challenges-sa-human-rights-commission-says-20230321 ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’

Schedule 1 defines a ‘Voting Right’ as a Voting Right attaching to an Equity Instrument owned by or held for a participant, measured using the Flow-through Principle or the Control Principle. An ‘Exercisable Voting Right’ is a Voting Right of a Participant that is not subject to any limit. Therefore, an ‘Exercisable Voting Right’ is not a ‘Voting Right’. The difference between the definitions is that ‘Exercisable Voting Rights’ refer to ‘Voting Rights’ that are not subject to any limitations. Technical Compliance Services are available to assist members with understanding these differences.

When an organisation uses a Trust as a Special Purpose Vehicle for the Ownership element, points are awarded based on the Beneficiaries and not the Trustees. Put another way; a B-BBEE Verification does not measure the Trust itself. Still, it qualifies for Ownership points based on who the Beneficiaries are that hold the Rights of Ownership that are in no way limited. Ownership measurement is on ‘Black’ People who have Voting Rights, Economic Interest and Net Value which collectively refer to Rights of Ownership. If the Rights of Ownership is limited in any way, a B-BBEE Rating Agency will not award points. Technical Compliance Services are available to assist members with understanding Ownership claims.

Opinion - Issac Mashaba - 20 March 2023 Demonstrators picket outside the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, 6 March 2023, as part of the Nehawu strike action. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Whoever said one cannot break what is already broken never considered the current South African government and its deep desire to totally destroy what it has already broken. Over the past three decades, the ruling party planned – and continues to oversee – the collapse and destruction of just about everything. With great fanfare, they keep telling us that this is progress and a sign of a resilient democracy. We all know it isn’t. The government has opted to make us an under-developing country – a title that aptly describes our current status and which fills them with immense pride. This anti-development stance has been the creator of one of our greatest ills: unemployment. That been driven by another great ill: institutionalised corruption. We have become the servants to our so-called political leaders. It is the country’s total lack of true leaders that has, instead, taken us down the road of destruction, doom and gloom. And after so many years in power, the government still blames the evils of apartheid. With infrastructure visibly collapsing around us, our economy limping along with signs of collapse, declining direct foreign investment, and the country facing a national blackout, our government appoints more ministers, at great cost to the rapidly diminishing tax base. Solving this problem is easy: increase taxes and work hard to drive away investors. Our economy is contracting and foreign investors are selling off their SA shares and bonds and fleeing the country in droves. They have become sick of trying to conduct business in a state driven by a failed government. And that is not the fault of apartheid. Corrupt policemen at OR Tambo, despite being caught for numerous offences, are still in their posts. The much-discussed Zondo report has resulted in no high-profile imprisonments. The state-owned chicken producer has spent millions of rands trying to stop whistle-blowers exposing corruption there. This doesn’t say much for our judiciary. The contracting economy, largely as a result of constant power failures and uncontrolled criminality, is taking its toll on the country. But the policy the government has adopted to fix this is “better never than late”. Opposition parties threaten with national shutdowns when they don’t get their way. Daily strikes and protests by healthcare officials, the police and other critical services are escalating. Hospitals are shut down, trashed and patients are dying. Threats to shut down OR Tambo International Airport are ignored. Evidence relating to corruption is stolen – no doubt at a cost. This is not democracy; it is more akin to anarchy with leadership complicity. Despite this chaos, the government still lays blame elsewhere. The policy of forcing business practises to only employ certain people based on colour has contributed to the downward spiral. Let us be very blunt: B-BBEE (broad-based black economic empowerment) has failed – miserably. It has resulted in established companies closing their doors and creating more unemployment. The skills exodus we are experiencing, results from the desire of entrepreneurs to conduct business elsewhere without constant government interference and attempts to take control of the business environment. Anyway, why aren’t black-owned businesses forced to employ people of other races based on quotas? Our government saw fit to dispose of the public sector skills we once had. People who understand public administration and services were replaced by people who have no clue – and many of them have fake degrees, as do some of our ministers and director-generals. This has contributed to the collapse of our public service sector, whose members likewise go on strike when their demands are not met. But leaders such as ours, who have managed to build nothing and who thrive on hate, can only destroy and lead us to becoming an under-developing country. https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/dont-blame-apartheid-for-sa-woes/ ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’

Devdicourse News Desk - Staff Writer - 16 March 2023 Cabinet has welcomed today’s State Visit to South Africa by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania. Image Credit: Twitter(@PresidencyZA) Cabinet has welcomed an agreement signed between government and Stellantis South Africa to develop a new vehicle manufacturing facility in the country. According to the Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Stellantis South Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to develop a new vehicle manufacturing facility. The manufacturing plant is planned to be set up in a South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by 2025. Stellantis is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. The Minister said it’s storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today’s customers in their innovative products and services - including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. The Minister was addressing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday. Cabinet also welcomed the approval by the Competition Tribunal of the international merger between European brewer Heineken and South African alcohol producer Distell Group Holdings. “The merged entity will promote worker ownership by establishing an employee share ownership plan and giving workers board representation,” Ntshavheni said. The merger, which will create the largest cider manufacturer in the country, is subject to a range of public interest conditions that include the promotion of supplier development, maintenance of local procurement, promotion of investment in research and development and increased local manufacturing capacity. South Africa-Tanzania relations Cabinet has welcomed today’s State Visit to South Africa by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania. The visit is at the invitation of her counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit follows the South Africa-Tanzania Ministerial Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria on Wednesday. “In addition to its solidarity with South Africa’s liberation struggle, Tanzania is one of the country’s foremost trading partners, with total trade between the two nation’s increasing from R6.89 billion in 2021 to R8.71 billion in 2022. “There are more than 250 South African companies in diverse sectors in Tanzania,” the Minister said. https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/2381573-cabinet-welcomes-development-of-new-vehicle-manufacturing-facility ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’