“We’re coming to disrupt,” says Prince. “As an entrepreneur, once you know what it’s like to not have any money, to be poor, to not have money in your business, to not have anything to take care of yourself. There’s nothing that can really hurt you. What’s the worst that could ever happen to you? That’s a mindset you need to have.”
Diversity is not just a tick-box exercise; it is a strategic imperative that directly impacts organisational growth and competitiveness. It encompasses a broad range of experiences, perspectives, skills, and backgrounds that collectively contribute to better decision-making and enhanced corporate governance.
In the latest Top Empowerment Masterclass, Nirmala shares her expertise, taking us through the approaches that make ESD programmes a success – from the perspective of both corporations and suppliers looking to benefit from such programmes – and shares examples of the success Nedbank has had in their own programmes.
Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) has emerged as an effective approach to achieving the vision set out in the NDP. Suppliers from previously-disadvantaged backgrounds are faced with an array of challenges when setting up businesses and attempting to enter the market. Supplier development initiatives seek to transform supply chains, by providing support through training, financing and preferential procurement.
“Transformation in the sector has dealt some blows, with the industry operating on B-BBEE codes of good practice that have not been updated in a decade, according to the Sanlam Gauge 2022 report. It has also lacked guidance from a charter council – which is at the core of policing B-BBEE progress – for several years.”
“Although the sector is a key employer, there remains a significant wage gap between the highest and lowest-paid workers. To address this, some retailers have established a minimum wage of more than 8% above the national average.”
“According to Stats SA, the production from the agriculture sector increased by 19.2% in the third quarter of 2022, contributing 0.5 of a percentage point to GDP growth. This, they said, was mainly associated with a rise in the production of field crops and horticulture products.”
“The South African automotive industry is one of South Africa’s largest economic sectors by revenue, contributing 4.3% to the country’s GDP. The industry accounts for more than 17% of the country’s manufacturing output.”
“Through various initiatives it has sought to decrease unemployment and assist black-owned SMMEs in finding a footing in the mainstream economy. Here we look at a few government initiatives which are giving a helping hand to black-owned businesses and the unemployed.”
“South Africa currently has more than 25 000 schools, 23 000 of which are public schools that make provisions for more than 12 million learners. These estimates indicate that, on average, there is one school for every 500 learners.”
“According to the Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998, as Amended (EEA), if an organisation fits the definition of a ‘Designated Employer’, it is obligated to perform the duties outlined in sections 16 through to 26 of the Act.”
“Despite many plans and interventions by the government, unemployment continues to rear its ugly head; this is evident by the Quarter 3, of the Quarterly Labor Force Survey (QLFS) results of 29 November 2022 citing a 32,9% unemployment rate which is a slight improvement from Q2. The National Development Plan 2030 target is 11 million new jobs by 2030.”
“Along with Talifhani, here we’re going to take a look at two other CEOs who were recognised at the 2022 awards: Tshegetsang Sebeela, the CEO of TEG, and Dr Felleng Yende, the CEO of FP&M SETA.”
“Twenty-nine years into democracy, it is self-evident that we, collectively, have not succeeded in eradicating the legacy of apartheid.”
“This tech intensity is becoming ever more apparent in South African businesses and is translating to the areas they are investing in when it comes to technology. According to the 2021 South African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Report, nearly 70 percent of firms in the country are using technology to innovate.”
In South Africa, localisation has many economic benefits with no limitations when exercised correctly. For many years, localisation has been a part of the economic recovery strategy because it is the main ingredient for creating a sustainable economy and eradicating unemployment.
Considering that there are more than 90 000 hectares of vines under cultivation, with over 200 000 people employed by the wine industry, and a R55-billion contribution to GDP in recent years, increasing at 10% per annum, further growth would not only be an incredible achievement, but also a welcomed boost to the South African economy.
This year’s theme “Africa Driving a Transformed Economy” paid homage to those who are committed to empowering black-owned businesses and concluded with an awards ceremony announcing 12 South African businesses and individuals that have proven to be transformative.
Taking place virtually during Nelson Mandela Month, from 20-21July 2022, The Top Empowerment Conference & Awards will connect business leaders and organisations all with the common goal of transforming Africa.
Despite having turbulent memories as a result of our country’s oppressive past, Black South Africans continue to emerge from the dust as critical contributors to our country’s economy.
B-BBEE aims to ensure that South African citizens who were previously excluded can now have meaningful participation in the country’s economy. In line with this, a major objective of the programme is the creation of capacity at all levels through employment equity, socio-economic development, preferential procurement and skills and enterprise development.
This year the esteemed winner of the Top Empowerment Lifetime Achiever Award was philanthropist, business leader, and believer in active citizenry, Trevor Manuel, who had served as a Cabinet Minister from 1994 to 2014 under the first four Presidents of democratic South Africa.
LeeBex was founded by Rebecca Garande and Lesego Legobane (popularly known as model, Thickleeyonce) in 2016
Advice on how to make the most of your next hotel visit.
William McIntyre, Regional Director Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shares the ultimate list of tips and tricks for staycation packing
Africa Tech Week has played a pivotal role in strengthening investment in start-ups, and providing knowledge and skills to individuals, businesses and societies struggling with digital transformation, by providing a platform for attendees to network and make new connections to further their careers and personal growth.
Entrepreneurs are able to create opportunities by identifying a need and catering to that need. By digging into the social values they can contribute to, such as access to education, water, food security, healthcare and more, entrepreneurs can not only create a better life for themselves but also a better future for all.
“No business can hope to succeed without having a workforce as varied as the world in which it operates. Any company that doesn’t take inclusion and diversity seriously is at risk of simply not understanding how to service its markets.”
Some key priorities, amongst others, are ensuring that top state capture miscreants are sent to prison; ensuring a reliable energy supply; urgently tackling youth unemployment; accelerating the vaccine rollout; as well as transforming and implementing the socioeconomic reforms.
Topco Media will be hosting the 2020 Top Empowerment Virtual Conference on the 22 and 23 July. The main theme of the conference is “gearing South Africa towards an all-inclusive economy through transformation post COVID-19”
The 2020 round of conferencing is proving to be completely different to any year that has gone before. No more jetting around the world or even intra national travel to get to the 2-3 day events. COVID has firmly placed its stamp on the current virtual modus operandi. Many conferences have either been completely cancelled, postponed or switched to online formats via the various platforms, offering video sessions or live streams with open chat forums.
This conference season feels a bit different, doesn’t it? Where we’re usually globetrotting from event to event, most conferences this year have either been postponed or switched to online, remote-friendly formats, offering video sessions by top-notch speakers or live streams with open chats. But what about everyone’s favorite bonus during conference season — networking?
Having recently released their 2019 Transformation Report, we can be certain that Nedbank’s efforts to enforce positive change and community upliftment have paid off. The company has now retained a level 1 B-BBEE contributor status for the second consecutive year, having retained level 2 B-BBEE contributor status for 10 consecutive years since 2009.
Driving a digital and productive economy is dependent on addressing our skills shortage, today I’m joined by Iain Williamson the acting CEO of Old Mutual Group.
“My truth is that 2019 was the best year of my career, I travelled to 19 countries delivering key notes to executives and business leaders on the topic of effective leadership. I flew business class, stayed in some of the finest hotels in the world, and best of all ended the year with a family holiday in the Swiss Alps where we had a white Christmas”
We speak to CEO of Spar Group, Graham O’Connor about the business of caring
On April 21 President Ramaphosa released a statement on “further economic and social measures in response to the COVID-19 epidemic”
In his budget speech in February, Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, with his trusty aloe ferox at his side said that 2020 was going to be a year for eating pilchards, not steak. And then came the corona virus. Covid 19 has pretty much shredded the treasury’s balance sheet and now the focus is on making sure we have access to funding to help the healthcare system cope, to help the economy cope and to still invest in growth initiatives.
A serial entrepreneur, Mathew Toren, provides the following tips specifically for people who are in the business of setting up a business:
This week President Ramaphosa released a statement on developments surrounding COVID-19 in the country and acknowledged the effort that citizens of South Africa have made during the early days of national lockdown.
A lockdown is an emergency protocol that requires South Africans to stay at home except for essential purposes. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and other essential industries will remain open. All non-essential activities are suspended.
In 2018, the asset management sector in South Africa handled approximately R4.6-trillion in private equity and assets – nearly the equivalent of the country’s gross domestic profit (GDP) for the same year. At this valuation, it’s clear that this industry plays a crucial role in the allocation of capital that is essential for the growth, development and evolution of our economy and society.
South Africa has a long and proud history of empowerment leaders who are in the vanguard of transformation and who serve as inspirational role models for the country. In this article Impumelelo highlights a selection of South African top black business owners, top black CEOs, top black business directors and the country’s top empowered companies.
WHAT’S IN A DOMAIN NAME? A domain name says exactly who you are and where you are online, better than a social media page. It gives you and your organisation a unique identity – such as a web ID and email which makes it easy for internet users to interact with you.
With the much anticipated 19th annual Top Empowerment Awards getting closer, we are excited to announce our prestigious panel of judges who will be selecting South Africa’s most transformed companies
Donna Rachelson, CEO of Seed Academy, gives her comments on the importance and role of ESD.
Here are 5 youth entrepreneurship programmes that are supporting entrepreneurship education.
South Africa’s townships are hives for entrepreneurial activity.
CodeNgwana graduated its first cohort of coding class learners
Insights on the 5 top trends in education.
SA needs to prepare our children for the fourth industrial revolution.
A market for transformation.
For challenges and successes of transformation in South Africa.
The first-of-its-kind online shopping mall in Africa.
Afrofuturism refers to a reimagined future filled with art, culture, technology and science as seen through a black lens.
Experts give their insights on B-BBEE.
An interview with former President, Kgalema Motlanthe.
We can empower our youth to lead the way and in fact pioneer new ways of working in the digital age.
Have you joined our empowerment network yet?
Diversity Empowerment champions a sustainable new model for transformation with an eye on the youth.
Why it should matter to you.
Fixing B-BBEE starts with recognising three truths that will contribute to the economy and job creation.
NPI Governance Consulting releases the “25 Years of Nation Building to Transformation” report.
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Q&A with Enver Duminy, Cape Town Tourism CEO.
Qetello Zeka on the state of transformation in the petroleum industry.
Here is how you can improve your rating.
B-BBEE is a win-win for all South Africans, says Commissioner Zodwa Ntuli.
Empowering the youth is key to our growth as a country, says Gee Motsepe.
Transformation in SA is still a ‘tick box exercise’ to get to the much-coveted Level 1, says Lebo Masilela.
An interview with clean-cut eco-entrepreneur and founder of Nurturer, Khululekani Nyobole.
The BEE Commission has warned of decisive action against companies that fail to remedy.
We spoke to Rashiq about what a day in the life of an urbanist looks like.
This exhibition deals with globalisation, identity and culture.
Compliance can be a tricky process for many businesses.
The best competitive advantage organisations can leverage is their people.
In a no-holds-barred interview, Thuli Madonsela opens up about true empowerment in South Africa.