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Philippa Larkin | 15 April 2025 South African businesses now face a crucial compliance challenge after the Department of Employment and Labour on Tuesday gazetted two sets of Employment Equity (EE) Regulations effective January 1, 2025. The Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement, "The publication of these EE Regulations represents a pivotal step toward advancing transformation and inclusivity in the South African labour market. Employers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regulatory framework to ensure compliance and alignment with employment equity objectives." The regulations mandate designated employers to meet sector-specific equity targets by 2030, with hefty fines for non-compliance. Non-compliance carries penalties of up to R1.5 million or 2% of annual turnover. Over 200 employers have already faced Labour Court for prior violations.  The published regulations include: General Administrative Regulations: These regulations provide standardised reporting forms (EEA2 and EEA4 forms); templates for EE Analysis (EEA12) and EE Plans (EEA13); enforcement tools; and templates for the EE Certificate of Compliance, including the intention to withdraw the EE Certificate of Compliance.These regulations offer implementation guidelines to assist employers and employees in interpreting and applying the provisions of the EE Amendment Act, of 2022, including streamlining compliance processes for designated and non-designated employers. Regulations on Sector Numerical EE Targets: These Regulations establish the actual five-year sector numerical EE targets for designated groups across 18 economic sectors for the four upper occupational levels (such as top management,senior management, professionally qualified/middle management, and skilled technical/junior management), including for persons with disabilities. The regulations are expected to have a significant impact on South African businesses. However, many industry stakeholders have raised concerns that the targets are unattainable, citing the current economic climate and South Africa’s low-growth economy as barriers to their achievement. Jonathan Goldberg, the chairman of Global Business Solutions, said, “The new regulations create both significant challenges and opportunities for South African businesses. While many will find these targets difficult to achieve, those who strategically align their practices with these requirements can emerge as leaders in transformation.” The regulations, following the Employment Equity Amendment Act, No. 4 of 2022, include General Administrative Regulations, providing standardised reporting tools and compliance templates, and Regulations on Sector Numerical EE Targets, setting five-year goals for designated groups across 18 economic sectors at top occupational levels. Designated employers with 50 or more employees must align their EE plans with these targets to ensure equitable representation. “The regulations present a complex challenge for many sectors, especially those that are already facing economic headwinds,” said Thembi Chagonda, Joint-CEO of Global Business Solutions and an Employment Equity Commissioner. “However, those businesses that embrace these changes head-on and innovate their approach to compliance will find themselves better positioned for the future.” Small employers with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from preparing EE plans and annual reports but are encouraged to remain in the Department’s database for compliance certification. Labour union Cosatu has prevously said the reforms will help address South Africa’s persistent inequalities and improve compliance with labour laws. Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour, the Commission for Employment Equity and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) - as part of advocacy initiatives, intend to conduct national workshops/roadshows to engage with various stakeholders in the labour market about the implication(s) of the new legislation. The 2025 EE workshops will be held under the theme:  “Bridging the Equity Gap Through Diversity & Inclusion”  . These will be held during May and June 2025 across all nine provinces. More information on the EE workshops, including updates on the venues to be used, will be available on department's and the CCMA's social media platform as well as the Department’s website:  www.labour.gov.za The workshops will focus on:  How to implement the EE Amendments contained in the EE Amendment Act, 2022 and its EE Regulations?  Five-year Sector EE targets for 18 economic sectors;  Practical demonstration of how to utilise the EE system online facilities to capture EE reports and request EE Certificate of Compliance; and  Presentation on discrimination disputes referred to the CCMA and the various Courts, in particular, harassment cases, including dispute resolution mechanisms in terms of the EEA.   ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/sas-new-employment-equity-regulations-a-compliance-challenge-for-businesses-by-2030-49b72884-a827-497e-a07d-56d2d348fcf0

Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara | 11 April 2025 The AI-driven 4IR presents an unprecedented and unique opportunity for the Global South to exert its influence, assume agency, actively participate, and leverage technology to achieve inclusive development and shared prosperity. The Global South refers to a socio-economic and geopolitical concept rather than a precise geographical location. It describes emerging economies and countries that are least industrialised. Consequently, the Global South is also known as the developing world or as a grouping of developing economies. The Global South broadly comprises Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand). The Global North includes North America, Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The world’s highly industrialised countries constitute the Global North, whereas the Global South comprises emerging and least industrialised economies. Comparing the populations of the Global South and Global North, it is evident that there are more people in the former than the latter. Hence, the term Global Majority is sometimes used instead of Global South. The phrase Global Majority has the utility of emphasising the primacy, centrality, and importance of the demands, aspirations, and ambitions of the Global South ahead of those of the Global North – the Global Minority. Development is often associated with progress in areas such as income, education, health, human rights, and industrialisation. The objective is to improve a population’s standard of living through factors such as wealth creation and distribution, social differentiation, industrial transformation, and economic growth. AI can play a critical role in achieving such ambitions and aspirations. However, given its history of rabid colonisation and exploitation by the Global North, extreme inequalities, and abject poverty, the Global South requires a special type of development – inclusive development. This emphasis seeks to ensure that the benefits of development are shared broadly across all segments of society, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable. Economist Amartya Sen proposed this approach to human development within the broader thesis articulated in his seminal book, “Development as Freedom.”Economic and social inequality can hinder development and lead to social unrest. Corruption, incompetence, and poor governance undermine development by diverting resources away from public goods and services, underutilising capacity, and leading to a lack of accountability. While globalisation and technology can drive economic growth, they can also exacerbate inequalities, lead to cultural homogenisation, and create a digital divide. Political instability and conflict can disrupt development efforts, leading to setbacks in economic and social progress. Indeed, there are potential obstacles to the developmental ambition and trajectory of the Global South. Shared prosperity and development are linked. Prosperity encompasses various dimensions of well-being, including economic wealth, social stability, health, and overall quality of life. Indeed, prosperity is often associated with material abundance, but it also includes non-material aspects such as happiness, satisfaction, and the ability to lead a fulfilling life. In most Global North countries, economic performance is not shared among the general population.This is hugely problematic. Africa and the rest of the Global South require inclusive development, leading to shared prosperity. GDP per capita is more important than GDP. The Gini coefficient is more important than the GDP growth rate. In a country, the size of the middle class as a percentage of the population is a critical metric that should be closely monitored and tracked. However, this is never done. Only traditional economic metrics such as GDP and GDP per capita are measured and analysed. It is instructive and prudent to note that key countries in the Global North, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have not achieved inclusive development or shared prosperity. The Gini coefficient, also known as the Gini index or Gini ratio, is a statistical measure of economic inequality within a population. It measures the income dispersion or wealth distribution among a country’s citizens. The Gini coefficient is one of the most frequently used measures of economic inequality. The coefficient takes values between zero and one. A coefficient of zero indicates perfect equality in the distribution of income or wealth within a population, while a coefficient of one represents perfect inequality or absolute disparity, where one person in a population receives all the wealth or assets. In contrast, the rest of the population gets nothing. South Africa has the world’s highest Gini coefficient for income, at 0.67. This explains the country's perennial challenges of staggering inequality, abject poverty, and unrelenting unemployment despite being Africa’s most industrialised country and biggest economy in terms of GDP. One of the most potent tools for shared economic growth is quality education, characterised by quantifiable skills, competencies and capabilities anchored by financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Financial literacy, computer literacy, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and AI literacy should be mandatory subjects for every university student, regardless of their degree programme. Even better, these subjects must be introduced in Secondary School, if not Primary School. This training must be grounded in learning how to learn and unlearn, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Global South doesn’t just want development. It seeks inclusive development. The economic growth must be shared. People in developing and least industrialised countries don’t just desire prosperity. They demand shared prosperity – the creation of societies where everyone can improve their lives and benefit from economic growth. Indeed, opportunity economies must characterise the Global South. This involves reducing inequality, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities, and promoting sustainable development. The questions are: What is the potential role of AI in igniting and powering the pursuit of inclusive development and shared prosperity in the Global South? In which economic sectors, and in what ways? What are the use cases, AI tools, expected impact, and associated risks? Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge at the University of Johannesburg. This is an excerpt from his book: Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for The Global South. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/opinion/why-the-emphasis-on-inclusive-development-and-shared-prosperity-5315d48c-5928-4854-8bda-acf2a009ca93

Darren Parker | 11 April 2025 Since the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) hosted its Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites in November last year and key officials signed the Durban Declaration pledging to tackle crime in the sector, more than 745 extortion cases have been reported and 240 arrests made, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has revealed. “We are . . . cracking down on the criminality that has plagued this sector. The so-called construction mafia has, for too long, operated with impunity – extorting contractors, disrupting worksites and chasing away investment. But . . . progress is being made,” he said at the Built Environment Indaba, in Midrand, on April 10. Macpherson said the DPWI was working closely with the South African Police Service (Saps), the National Treasury and the Construction Industry Development Board to ensure construction mafia criminals were brought to book. He criticised the existing government procurement policy that mandates 30% of certain public sector contracts, particularly in construction and infrastructure projects, be subcontracted to designated groups, such as black-owned small- to medium-sized enterprises, youth, women, people with disabilities and cooperatives, where feasible. This policy, which is aligned with the goals of broad-based black economic empowerment and implemented through government procurement regulations, arises from the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act regulations, most notably the 2017 amendments. Macpherson said the current structure of this 30% requirement had inadvertently created an entry point for criminal syndicates to exploit the system. The syndicates use threats or violence to force their way into projects under the guise of claiming this 30% subcontracting opportunity, thereby displacing legitimate black-owned businesses and causing chaos and extortion on construction sites. He commended the Black Business Council for the Built Environment (BBCBE) for recognising that unless the 30% set aside is restructured or better regulated, it will continue to serve as a loophole for these criminal elements, rather than uplifting genuine black-owned enterprises as intended. “It is after all, black-owned businesses that have suffered the most as a result of being forcibly and violently removed from sites by these mafia outfits. To this end, I am incredibly grateful to the BBCBE for their support in recognising that the way the 30% set aside is structured, is the gateway for this construction mayhem to continue. “We must get back to first principles to ensure genuine inclusion and participation is achieved, and not just paying off those with the biggest guns,” Macpherson said. He said that, just last week, construction company WBHO had informed him that it had seen an 80% decline in lost construction hours year-on-year owing to the actions taken by the DPWI and Saps to secure sites.  “Our work is paying off. We will be shortly releasing our proposal for a national facilitation framework to institutionalise a single model of social facilitation to ensure a uniformed approach to working with communities and local businesses in a bid to replicate successes we have seen in [some] provinces,” Macpherson added.  ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/more-than-240-construction-mafia-arrests-made-since-november-macpherson-says-2025-04-11

Nkosana Khumalo | 13 April 2025 One hundred smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have received training in herb and spice cultivation enabling them to become suppliers for Unilever’s supplier localisation programme, the Department of Agriculture has announced. The initiative, known as the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme, is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Unilever South Africa, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The programme is a bold step toward inclusive agricultural development, combining public and private sector efforts to support sustainability, improve livelihoods, and create new opportunities for small-scale farmers in the rural Jozini region. The farmers completed an intensive training course aligned with Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) unit standards, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in herb and spice farming. This training now positions them as legitimate and competitive suppliers in the value chain of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. Empowering Farmers With Skills and Market Access The training initiative is not only equipping the farmers with valuable agricultural expertise, but also connecting them to commercial markets—one of the biggest barriers facing smallholder farmers in South Africa. Participants learned how to prepare soil, identify and address crop issues, and manage the full cultivation cycle for herbs and spices—key ingredients in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Zinhle Manzini, a participant in the programme, shared her enthusiasm for the opportunities it has opened. “Through the programme, I’ve gained important skills for nurturing crops, preparing soil, identifying issues, and taking necessary actions to support crop growth. It has also taught me the steps involved in the farming process. “I’m happy that Unilever is assisting us by providing access to marketplaces to sell our produce, helping to prevent financial losses. I encourage young people and women to join such programmes to learn about farming, which can be a viable source of income,” she said. Unilever’s involvement includes assisting with market access, which is expected to boost the farmers’ income stability and protect against common financial risks in agriculture. Enhancing Local Infrastructure and Support The Jozini farmers were also presented with a new tractor and witnessed the unveiling of a drying tunnel—an important addition to the local farming infrastructure. The drying tunnel will allow the farmers to process their produce to meet commercial standards and prolong shelf life, thus improving their ability to compete in larger supply chains. These contributions go beyond training. They provide tangible support that can significantly improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure higher returns for rural farmers. This initiative is part of a larger vision to strengthen agricultural value chains in underdeveloped rural communities and transform them into dynamic hubs of economic activity. Public-Private Partnerships Driving Inclusive Growth Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen praised the initiative, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in tackling South Africa’s socio-economic challenges. “Partnerships are very important… we recognise that if we try and do things on our own, we won’t get far, but if we work together, we can go far. Partnerships go beyond just something on paper, or what we say is a priority. Partnerships are rooted in our core philosophy as South Africans – Ubuntu,” the Minister said. He stressed that such collaborations are not only about resources, but about shared responsibility in transforming rural livelihoods and making agriculture more inclusive and equitable. The collaboration between government departments and Unilever is an example of how public-private partnerships can function effectively to bring change to marginalised communities. Corporate Commitment to Local Development Unilever South Africa CEO Justin Apsey emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering rural communities and supporting sustainable agriculture. “This initiative will not only improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers but also contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector. This is a capacity-building initiative empowering and alleviating unemployment while providing a decent life in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Apsey. He further noted that Unilever is committed to sourcing more of its ingredients from local suppliers, in line with its global sustainability goals and localisation strategy. By working with smallholder farmers, the company also reduces its environmental footprint while helping to uplift communities. The Jozini programme aligns with Unilever’s broader sustainability mission, which includes inclusive sourcing, reducing poverty, and supporting resilient food systems. AgriSETA-Aligned Training: Building Professional Farmers The farmers received AgriSETA-accredited training that covered every aspect of herb and spice farming, from soil preparation and crop rotation to pest management and post-harvest handling. The training sessions were delivered by qualified agricultural instructors and supported by extension officers from DARD. By aligning the training with national standards, the farmers are now equipped with certified skills that enhance their credibility in the formal agricultural sector. Importantly, the focus on herbs and spices reflects growing market demand, both locally and internationally, providing the farmers with a niche opportunity to enter profitable supply chains. Women and Youth at the Forefront The programme has placed a strong emphasis on including women and youth in agriculture—two demographics often underrepresented in the sector. Many of the participants are first-time farmers who now see agriculture as a viable livelihood, not just for subsistence but for commercial growth. The involvement of young people also provides a critical response to rising rural unemployment and economic stagnation. With support from experienced mentors and government agencies, the farmers are now equipped to expand their businesses and employ others in their communities, multiplying the programme’s impact. Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices Sustainability lies at the heart of the Jozini Smallholder Farmer Programme. Farmers were trained in: • Organic farming methods • Soil conservation techniques • Water-saving irrigation practices • Eco-friendly pest management These methods are essential for improving long-term productivity while protecting natural ecosystems and ensuring food safety. Unilever and the DOA have committed to continuous technical support for the farmers, ensuring that sustainability is not a once-off lesson but a daily practice. Contributing to Regional Development Jozini is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most rural and poverty-affected municipalities. This initiative is set to transform the local economy by creating employment, enhancing food security, and stimulating entrepreneurship. By producing herbs and spices for a multinational like Unilever, these farmers are becoming part of a global supply chain, proving that rural communities can thrive with the right investment and support. The Department of Agriculture said this programme will serve as a blueprint for future rural development projects across the country. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://centralnews.co.za/100-smallholder-farmers-in-jozini-trained-to-supply-unilever-in-landmark-agriculture-partnership/

Daniel Puchert | 10 April 2025 The chairperson for Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, has voiced her discontent with Minister Solly Malatsi’s efforts to introduce equity equivalence investment programmes (EEIPs) in the telecommunications sector. In a statement posted to Twitter/X, Diko said that Malatsi is mounting an offensive against South Africa’s transformation laws by seeking to bypass the Electronic Communications Act in favour of business interests. “Minister Malatsi should know that when it comes to transformation in the ICT sector, the law is clear on compliance and that cutting corners and circumvention is not an option — least of all to appease business interests,” Diko said. “It appears his proposed directives and regulations are an attempt to undermine empowerment legislation by stealth and, should this be found to be the case, they will be fiercely opposed.” Diko is referring to Malatsi’s recent plans to introduce policy directives to encourage competition through international investment in South Africa’s telecommunications sector. These policy directives, taking the form of EEIPs, would overcome regulatory hurdles for telcos entering South Africa, which require 30% black ownership. Equity equivalence programmes involve foreign companies investing in local infrastructure, skills development, and enterprise support, thus positively contributing to South Africa’s economic empowerment goals. MyBroadband learned in November 2024 that Malatsi was in talks with Icasa to encourage the creation of an EEIP for multinational telcos. Malatsi responded to Diko in a statement arguing that EEIPs are permissible by law in South Africa and “have been the source of major investments in our economy, including in sectors such as the automobile industry.” “Recognising their potential, the government’s Medium-Term Budget Plan, formally approved by Cabinet, has adopted the introduction of EEIPs in the Information and Communications Technology sector,” he added. Diko also claims that Malatsi’s fixation on EEIPs is to specifically encourage Starlink to enter South Africa. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, uses low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellite technology to provide Internet connections in even the most remote areas. So far, the service is available in 19 African countries. “If he’s unhappy with the 30% equity ownership rule, then he must seek an amendment of the law. He will have to explain why he would want to do that for a single company,” Diko told the SABC. “We have a problem with the fact that there seems to be an obsession with Starlink in particular, and this is a matter that’s been raised in the portfolio committee.” Malatsi’s spokesperson recently said that Starlink’s entrance into South Africa would help to increase competition and lower data prices. The SpaceX-owned company had initially planned to launch in February 2021, but these plans were soon put on ice around the time Icasa’s ownership regulations were announced a month later. Although SpaceX never confirmed that this regulatory change caused it to halt its South African plans, well-placed industry sources said they were the reason Starlink deprioritised the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Elon Musk in September last year to discuss investment in South Africa, a month after it was announced that Starlink was in talks with the South African government. SpaceX then suggested to Icasa, during public consultations for new regulations on satellite broadband systems, that it should consider implementing equity equivalent programmes similar to those in other industries. This confirmed that SpaceX considered local ownership requirements an obstacle to launching Starlink in South Africa. Diko argued that several companies from China, Russia, and Europe have indicated interest in South Africa and are making inquiries with Icasa about bringing satellite connectivity to the country. She also noted that Starlink recently concluded an agreement in India that required the company to form a local partnership with two dominant service providers. “The point is that you cannot then have one company that hold us ransom demanding that we reverse our transformation goals, which you know are very important in this country,” she said. Despite their ongoing disagreements, Diko says that she has a “very productive, friendly, and cooperative relationship with the Minister.” ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/government/590680-battle-over-starlink-in-south-africa.html

Nicola Mawson | 8 April 2025 Documents leaked to IOL show that it appears that, far from attempting to sort out corruption practises at the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) as he has publicly vowed, the institution’s CEO, Malusi Shezi, has allegedly been complicit in the very practises he has sworn to eradicate. In what could form the basis for a compelling Tom Clancy novel, pages of letters from the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) to Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education, detail alleged irregular disciplinary hearings, as well as allegations of financial misconduct. These, it said show that Shezi apparently interfered in procurement processes as well as instigated disciplinary action against those who questioned him. CETA’s mandate is to aid in developing construction skills through projects and learnerships that enable those participating to achieve recognised qualifications. It has been under scrutiny several times over the past few years, notably having been placed under curatorship in 2020. Construction is a vital economic driver as, in 2023, it contributed 2.7% to the economy. An email to Nkabane from Nehawu sent on March 19 stated that “the minister may be aware that this institution is not functional under the current CEO [Shezi] and the board, and we have written extensively to her office on a myriad of matters plaguing the institution”. That letter called for the minister to investigate “allegations of malfeasance” at the entity. In specific, it claimed that there were “serious violations of procurement processes” regarding a tender for the appointment of a full turn-key managed ICT services provider, bid number 018-2024/2025. Nehawu claimed that the tender box went missing after all the bids - another document shows there were five of these - were submitted and the box was properly sealed. According to the union, the tender should have been cancelled at this point and wasn’t. It does appear, however, that there was a break in camera feed covering the area in which the box was located as a security company was hired to retrieve footage for between January 24 and March, investigate the breakdown in the camera feed, and install additional cameras. The company, whose name is known to IOL, was appointed on February 10 for R286 805 after Shezi was asked to approve a deviation from general procurement processes. CETA did not respond to a request for the outcome of this investigation. Nehawu also claimed that Shezi “has become overly involved with HR policies and even breached its policies and provisions.” It argued that the CEO has bypassed HR protocols and rejected the outcomes of internal disciplinary processes. These claims are in addition to previous ones, as detailed in a press release on the union’s website published on August 7, 2024, in which it claimed that “our members have been subjected to continuous victimisation and intimidation by the CEO for raising issues related to maladministration at the CETA”. The union issued this statement on the back of Shezi’s suspension, which was announced on the same day. However, it appears he remains CEO, as he is listed in this role on CETA’s website. CETA did not clarify this matter when IOL sought its comment. Nehawu’s claims of disciplinary proceedings being abused seem to be borne out by the outcomes of such hearings in IOL’s possession. In one, in which a staff member had reported abuse of the supply chain management process and was herself charged with 15 counts of abusing such processes and suspended. Among other statement, the chairperson said that the employee should be seen as a whistleblower and should, as such, have been protected. “Alas, the employer surprisingly decides to go after the employee, albeit five years later.” The chairperson also noted that CETA’s argument for suspending the employee was confusing and “constitutes trial by ambush because it is not clear which case the employee is expected to answer”. Nehawu’s letters to the minister, as well as presentations to the Parliamentary Committees, also allege that there have been several instances of corruption in terms of appointing service providers as well as the institution sending work to a legal firm that should rightfully have been assigned to another company on its panel of legal service providers. Last July, CETA said in a statement that it “is aware of the allegations of interference in procurement processes levied against Shezi. These claims are being addressed through the appropriate channels and are subject to thorough and impartial investigation. It is important to note that the mere existence of allegations does not equate to guilt. The CEO, like any other employee, is entitled to a fair and transparent investigation process.” In a presentation to a Parliamentary Committee, the union also pointed out that CETA had lost executives and institutional memory. The deterioration of the relationship between the CEO and key executives is evident in a trail of emails shared with IOL in which Shezi becomes increasingly short-tempered with a fellow executive who is seemingly attempting to clarify matters and ensure that dueprocess is followed. CETA has also drawn the attention of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), which qualified its opinions in its audits for the past three years as of this February. Minutes from a Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) Parliamentary Committee meeting held on February 4 stated that the AGSA had identified material irregularities within CETA related to financial losses resulting from non-compliance. Zamahlangu Mditshwa, deputy business unit leader at the AGSA, said that her office had encountered significant delays in CETA’s response to its feedback and documents regarding these irregularities, which undermined accountability. She also noted that the office was still concerned about CETA’s slow progress in implementing AGSA’s recommendations, as this continued to hinder efforts to enforce accountability. IOL attempted on several occasions to secure official comment from CETA, Scopa, the Department of Higher Education, as well as the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education via email as to all the above allegations, without success. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.iol.co.za/business/iol-investigation-uncovers-alleged-collusion-and-corruption-at-ceta-03c50187-2bdd-4354-851c-d989cd8ff2bf

Edwin Naidu | 7 April 2025 South Africa must be deliberate in combating youth unemployment and driving digital transformation to achieve an inclusive economy, according to Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. “As we navigate the 4th Industrial Revolution and work towards sustained economic growth, partnerships like the one between the Department of Higher Education and Huawei have never been more crucial,” she told the Huawei ICT Awards Ceremony in Johannesburg. Welcoming delegates and students from higher education institutions in South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar, Nkabane praised Huawei for its unwavering commitment to supporting skills development in South Africa, a dedication that served as a beacon of inspiration for us all. “Indeed, this is perfectly aligned with our Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) priorities of driving inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, as well as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.” The minister stated that since Huawei South Africa was founded in 1999, it has played a pivotal role in the country’s rapid development by supporting the growth of its ICT infrastructure. At the same time, Huawei had also implemented various talent training programmes in recent years. Some of the more catalytic programmes Huawei has run in South Africa include 4IR training, SMME digital skills transformation training, Huawei ICT Academy and Huawei ICT competitions. These programmes have already benefited more than 24,000 South African people in the past three years. Since September 2016, Huawei has established ICT academies in collaboration with various public universities, TVET colleges and private colleges, now numbering 76 institutions in the PSET sector. More than 26,000 students from the PSET system are participating in competitions after receiving training through the academy. In August 2024, the department signed a Letter of Cooperation Agreement on TVET Curriculum Transformation with Huawei and Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology. This partnership aims to promote innovation in ICT-related courses at TVET institutions in South Africa, making them more relevant to the job market and thereby enhancing the employability of students from TVET Colleges. Nkabane said Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges should be included in the programme in this regard. She stated that in September 2024, she visited the Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to the People’s Republic of China. In November 2024, during a working visit to China, she was hosted by Huawei at its research centre in Beijing. “I was impressed with Huawei’s technological advancement, which included, amongst others, the innovation in designing electric vehicles, which is an integral part of the skills and competencies that are required for the Just Energy Transition. “We hope that in the future, we can also continue to have more far-reaching cooperation with Huawei in talent training, smart campus construction and other projects. Together, we will equip South Africa’s youth not just with formal qualifications but with skills that will enable them to make meaningful contributions to the development of our economy,” Nkabane said. Recognising the importance of involving the African continent and, more specifically, the SADC region in such cooperation, Nkabane said that 2024 was declared by the AU Heads of State as the Year of Education in Africa, allowing the continent to reimagine Africa’s education and skills trajectory. “I am delighted that Huawei has intentionally invested in the African continent, and I trust that these efforts will assist us in implementing our continental frameworks, including the attainment of the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063,” she said. This year, South Africa ascended to the G20 Presidency. “We seek to utilise G20 to strengthen our partnership in the area of ICT and artificial intelligence; it is for this reason that South Africa has established a G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” she said. “In the G20 Education Working Group, which is co-chaired by the Department of Higher Education and Department of Basic Education, we have identified priorities such as the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and Skills in the Global Context.“  The Minister said that ICT skills were crucial from the foundational phase of education right up to post-school education, adding that the working group would also focus on ensuring that educational professionals, such as lecturers and teachers, were not neglected but were equipped with the skills to enable them to teach students. Yang Yongpeng, director of the Huawei Southern Africa Region Human Resource Department, said that the world was currently undergoing an unprecedented digital transformation. “Digital technologies have not only changed the way we live but have also created new opportunities and challenges for education, the economy and society. In particular, the potential of the African digital economy is enormous. The African Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030, released by the African Union, clearly states that by 2030, Africa will achieve comprehensive digital transformation, and the digital economy will become the core driving force for Africa’s economic growth.” However, Yongpengnoted that the existence of the digital divide remained a significant challenge for Africa and the world. “Our shared responsibility is to let more people enjoy the dividends of this digital technology. As a world-leading provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei is committed to promoting digital inclusion through technological innovation and telecom collaboration. By doing so, we aim to ensure that more people benefit from the growth of the digital economy.“ In terms of ICT competition, he stated that Huawei has collaborated with universities worldwide to establish the Huawei ICT ecosystem since 2013. By the end of 2024, Huawei had partnered with more than 3,000 universities worldwide to establish Huawei ICT academies, covering over 110 countries and cultivating over 1.1 million students. Up to now, Huawei has established 500 ICT academies in the South Sahara African region, with more than 35,000 students. For instance, in 2024, students received nearly 500 Huawei career certifications, and 550 academy students secured jobs at Huawei and its partners. “These figures not only demonstrate Huawei’s strong commitment to cultivating digital talent in Africa but also lay a solid foundation for Africa’s digital future. Huawei’s ICT competition is an important initiative of the Huawei ICT Academy.” The competition has set a broad stage for African youths to demonstrate themselves and pursue their dreams. Many young Africans have achieved outstanding success in the global finals of previous competitions and have successfully joined Huawei. Juvenna Hamutu-Salumu, a young Tanzanian woman and winner of the 2023 ICT competition, joined Huawei as an exceptional female engineer. Aleel Issa, a Nigerian who won first prize in the global ICT competition final, has earned more than 20 Huawei certificates. He joined Huawei and became the product solution manager of the Nigeria Lloyd office. “Through the competition, we have seen the potential of young African teachers and students for digital technology. It is the infinite possibilities of Africa’s digital future. In Africa, a land of hope, digital inclusion carries a special and far-reaching significance,” said Yongpeng. “We will continue to live up to our commitment to Africa and build closer partnerships with African governments, institutions of higher learning, and enterprises. We will collaborate to promote digital talent development programs that support Africa’s digital transformation. Students, you are the hope of Africa’s digital future,” he added. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://insideeducation.co.za/huawei-raised-for-developing-skills/

Liesl Peyper | 8 April 2025 Bowmans, Webber Wentzel, and Werksmans call for a revision of implementation timelines to maintain stability in the sector. Three of South Africa’s major legal firms announced on Tuesday their intervention in the legal proceedings initiated by Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) to challenge the government’s legal sector BEE code. In a joint statement issued by Bowmans, Webber Wentzel, and Werksmans, the firms note their decision to intervene is aimed at ensuring that any legal sector code is “evidence-based, practical, tailored to the unique nature of the legal profession, and that it does not discard the well-established principles of the generic codes that benefit black lawyers as well as other black persons more generally”. The firms expressed particular concern that the legal sector code overlooks the fact that large corporate law firms operate as complex commercial businesses within a regulated profession. “It also fails to recognise the vital role these firms play in training black legal professionals who go on to become judges, senior counsel, and corporate legal leaders,” the trio said in the statement. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) published the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Legal Sector Code of Good Practice (LSC) in September 2024, stipulating a range of compliance targets for higher B-BBEE ratings for large law firms, including that 50% of black legal practitioners should have ownership, voting rights and positions in executive management in the next five years. According to Bowmans, Webber Wentzel and Werksmans, which all currently hold Level 1 B-BBEE ratings under the Generic Codes, the LSC would mean their B-BBEE rating scores are set to decline from Level 1 to Level 6 or lower. The trio further stated that the timeline for achieving the code’s black ownership targets is problematic, with a doubling of black ownership targets to 50% by year five. “This overlooks the fact that in the legal sector, only practicing lawyers in a firm can be owners [in the form of an equity partnership]. They are personally liable for the debts of the firm and retain ownership until retirement. Junior lawyers follow a structured progression path that generally takes 10 to 11 years before becoming equity partners, whereafter most tend to retain ownership until retirement.” According to the firms, even with the best intentions, they simply cannot meet these targets within the required timeframe. “Revising the implementation timelines would allow firms to meet transformation goals effectively while maintaining stability in the sector, as well as ensuring that junior lawyers are properly trained and equipped with the necessary skills to advance to more senior positions,” they said. NRF went to court in January to block the new sector code, arguing that it sets unreasonable and impractical targets on legal firms. Two weeks later, the firm withdrew its bid, although it stated at the time that it did not drop its opposition to the code, reiterating that it was still unconstitutional and unimplementable. Paul Janisch, a BEE consultant and analyst, believes a legal challenge against the code has a very good chance of succeeding. "You have the best collection of legal minds in Sub-Saharan Africa taking on the dtic that has been running roughshod over SA businesses with their empowerment processes and gazetting codes at will, saying it’s legal and legitimate and no one has ever questioned it,” said Janisch. “It’s a typical feature of legislation in SA – where due process is often not followed. And due process requires a proper analysis of the sector or industry to make sure the proposals will work in the legal sector. They failed to do this.” ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/three-legal-firms-join-norton-rose-fulbright-in-challenging-bee-code/

Clause 2.4.2 of Statement 400 of the Amended General B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice allocates Bonus Points for creating one or more jobs as a direct result of a Supplier Development or Enterprise Development  intervention.   The necessary evidence varies between B-BBEE Rating Agencies. Generally, however, a letter confirming job creation from the Beneficiary will serve as such evidence or a Signed Employee contract. The letter of confirmation must affirm that the intervention created at least one new job. Some confirmations may include being administered by a Commissioner of Oaths.  This must be undertaken by the Beneficiary and must include (not limited to):   An organisation’s full name, physical address, postal address, and registration number; A Beneficiary’s full company name, physical address, postal address, and registration number; The Enterprise Development or Supplier Development commenced; The date of the contribution; The number of new positions due to the intervention; and The names of the new employees;   Enterprise & Supplier Development Services   are available to assist Members meeting requirements for Job Creation.

In South Africa, the concept of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)  is intrinsically linked with the broader ideals of social justice. The nation’s history of apartheid, which systematically excluded Black people, and necessitated a comprehensive approach to rectify past injustices. In this article, we will examine the relationship between B-BBEE and social justice in South Africa, highlighting the ways in which B-BBEE seeks to address historical imbalances and promote a more equitable society.   To understand the connection between B-BBEE and social justice, we must first consider the historical context. Apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation that lasted for a very long period, entrenched in deep-seated economic inequalities based on race. Black People were systematically excluded from meaningful economic participation, resulting in social injustices and inequalities that persist to this day.     The aims of B-BBEE   1.         Economic Redress:  One of the primary aims of B-BBEE is to rectify the economic injustices of the past by economically empowering Black People in South Africa. This is achieved through mechanisms such as Ownership, Management Control , Skills Development, Preferential Procurement and Socio-Economic Development.   2.         Social Inclusion:  B-BBEE seeks to break down the barriers that historically marginalised Black People and communities. Through the provision of opportunities for Ownership, Skills Development and Employment, B-BBEE actively works to include all South Africans in the country’s economic growth.   3.         Capacity Building : A crucial aspect of B-BBEE is capacity building, which involves education and skills development programmes. This empowers Black People to actively participate in the economy, thereby reducing social inequalities.   4.         Economic Growth:  B-BBEE contributes to economic growth by promoting a more inclusive economy and diversified workforce, and a growing economy has the potential to uplift communities and improve living conditions, furthering the cause of social justice.   5.         Equity Redistribution:  B-BBEE strives to promote a fairer allocation of economic resources and opportunities, aiming to both rectify historical injustices and advance social justice by diminishing economic disparities and empower Black People to participate meaningfully in the South African economy, through employment, entrepreneurship and other mechanisms that will enable and drive economic growth.   While B-BBEE is undoubtedly a crucial step towards social justice, it is not without its challenges. Some critics argue that it has led to instances of Fronting (where companies claim to be B-BBEE compliant without genuine empowerment), while others contend that it has not gone far enough in addressing social and economic disparities.   B-BBEE is not just an economic policy, it is an important tool for advancing social justice. When we address historical imbalances, create opportunities for economic participation and strive to uplift marginalised communities, B-BBEE is instrumental in achieving this. However, the journey toward social justice is complex and challenges do persist. It is essential for South Africa to continue refining and implementing B-BBEE policies to ensure they remain aligned with the goals of social justice and truly transform the nation into fair and inclusive society.

The most significant risk to an organisation meeting its Preferential Procurement targets is fraudulent B-BBEE Statuses. They not only go against the spirit of B-BBEE, but they put an organisation at risk, as fraudulent B-BBEE Credentials generally only reveal themselves at the time of an organisation’s B-BBEE Verification.   The B-BBEE Commission's website contains a List  of known Fraudulent / Invalid B-BBEE Credentials currently in circulation.   If any Members have suspicions about B-BBEE Credentials currently on file, Certificate Collection Services  is on hand to assist with validation of their authenticity.

MICT SETA | 7 April 2025 The MICT SETA wishes to inform all accredited and prospective Skills Development Providers (SDPs) and assessment centres that the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has suspended the proposed implementation of accreditation fees for occupational qualifications, part qualifications, and skills programmes until further notice.  This decision follows the need for further consultation and engagement with all relevant stakeholders. The QCTO remains committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering constructive dialogue throughout this process.  Further details updates will be provided once the final decision has been made. Your continued support and cooperation is sincerely appreciated.  Yours in Skills Development MICT SETA ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.mict.org.za/suspension-of-qcto-accreditation-fees/