Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is the cornerstone of the Government’s efforts to educate and train those South Africans previously disadvantaged by Apartheid. It aims to accelerate the participation of black people in the economy by encouraging change in key areas of business, which then is intended to have a knock-on effect on the economy as a whole.
“B-BBEE seeks to influence and change five key aspects of South African Business, namely Ownership, Management Control, Employment Equity, Skills Development, Preferential Procurement, Enterprise Development and Socio-economic Development,” says Angie Lanham-Love, CEO of Lanham Love Consulting, a 73.57% Black Owned, Level 2 BEE Exempt Micro Enterprise.
So, what does each element of the Generic Scorecard Framework entail?
“The Ownership element measures the extent to which black people are involved in the ownership structure of your company,” says Lanham-Love. “Management Control considers what level of representation there is of black people in all levels of your company, from the C-Suite to Senior, Middle and Junior Managers. Skills Development focuses on the extent to which employers carry out initiatives designed to develop the competencies of Black employees and Black people internally and externally.”
“The Enterprise and Supplier Development aspect of the scorecard determines the extent to which your business buy goods and services from Empowering Suppliers with strong B-BBEE recognition levels,” says Lanham-Love. “This aspect also measures the extent to which enterprises carry out supplier development and enterprise development initiatives intended to assist and accelerate the growth and sustainability of black enterprises. Finally, the Socio-Economic Development and Sector Specific Contributions facet measures the extent to which your business carries out initiatives that contribute towards Socio-Economic Development or Sector Specific initiatives that promote access to the economy for Black people.”
“The overarching purpose of B-BBEE is to uplift the people of South Africa, not by levelling the playing field, so to speak, but by enabling and equipping those previously excluded from the game to be able to compete,” says Lanham-Love. “This is why a large element of gaining B-BBEE levels can be achieved through Skills Development programmes, such as those offered by our affiliate, The LLC Academy.”
“Thus, Lanham Love Consulting believes that it is worthwhile to establish what level of B-BBEE you are aiming to achieve, and whether or not that makes sense for your business,” says Lanham-Love. “We’ve seen companies that have bent over backwards to achieve Level One status, when it was not necessary for them to do so. This is why Lanham Love Consulting ensures that we understand your business before we embark on a strategic approach of bringing you up to B-BBEE code.”
“Afterall, B-BBEE can be an expensive exercise – we want to ensure that the return on your investment is worthwhile,” says Lanham-Love.
When implemented correctly, B-BBEE supports job creation, encourages global competitiveness, and bolsters economic growth. It also has the potential to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs and help to create a more skilled workforce. If you need help establishing what your B-BBEE strategy should be, Lanham Love Consulting is here to help! Speak to our experts today.