The Director of Compliance at the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission (B-BBEE Commission), Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya says the B-BBEE Commission is putting measures in place to deal with complaints and engage stakeholders on a regular basis. Ngwenya was speaking at the B-BBEE information session held in Bellville, Cape Town today.

The session, which was attended by more than hundred companies, verification professionals, government officials and auditors, was aimed at raising awareness and educating the community, businesses and other stakeholders on the B-BBEE Act and the role of B-BBEEE Commission.

Ngwenya said this is a way to encourage people to utilise the office and speed up some of the complaints received by the B-BBEE Commission.

“The Commission is looking at different platforms and measures to engage with ordinary people and those who are dealing with B-BBEE transactions on a daily basis, especially those who are not based in Gauteng and are far from the office,” said Ngwenya.

She added that the Commission will announce the hotline for tipoffs and continue to engage with stakeholders using different platforms to increase accessibility. According to Ngwenya, this would take place in the form of meetings, workshops, distribution of educational material, including a newsletter amongst others. She encouraged companies to make use of these services.

“We will also be cooperating with other government entities that have legislation that also touches on B-BBEE and corporate governance matters, but we are not closing out on the private sector,” she said.

Ngwenya said the goal of government was to see more entrepreneurs involved in building the economy rather than fronting to win government tenders. She warned that those fronting and holding back progress made over the years on the legislation will be dealt with.

Issues outlined by stakeholders were mainly on legitimacy of the B-BBEE sworn affidavits, ownership challenges, skills development, different sector codes, as outlined in the B-BBEE Act.

The threshold on major B-BBEE transactions that qualify for registration with the B-BBEE Commission will be issued by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies.

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry