The implementation of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) has received a boost today with the launching of the B-BBEE Management Development Programme (MDP). The programme was launched by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, at the Velmore Conference Estate in Erasmia, outside Pretoria. The programme, which will be offered by the University of South Africa and Wits University, is aimed at ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application and implementation of B-BBEE.
Speaking at the event, Davies said that the MDP is a milestone in the history of BEE.
“For the first time we are institutionalising and professionalising B-BBEE, thus entrenching it within the economic system. It will create and build capacity in the B-BBEE verification industry. The programme presents exciting career opportunities for new entrants into this industry. Students can now elect to study B-BBEE as a profession,” said Minister Davies.
He added that in order to ensure consistent application and interpretation of the BEE policy that would lead to valid and accurate measurement of B-BBEE, the development of the MPD was critical in building capacity in the whole economy due to the alignment process of Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) and B-BBEE that would necessitate that all supply chain and procurement practitioners both private and government, consultants, verification analysts and government officials were conversant with the key principles of verifying B-BBEE.
The BEE verification process evolved since the release of the B-BBEE strategy in 2003 and the promulgation of the Broad-Based BEE Act, which set the scene for the regulation of the BEE measurement/verification industry. The gazetting of the B-BBEE Codes firmly moved the industry from self-regulated BEE Measurement Industry to a BEE Verification Industry.
In the initial days of implementation of the B-BBEE, the market used different standards and methodologies to measure B-BBEE. the dti was approached by the market to provide guidance on appropriate standards and entities to be used for measurement of B-BBEE.
Minister Davies stated that the B-BBEE Management Development Programme does not only change the history of B-BBEE but it also talks to skills development, access to job opportunities and enterprise development.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
Source: Department of Trade and Industry
