Minister Ebrahim Patel briefs media on worker ownership structures, 30 Apr

29 Apr 2021

Minister Patel to host press briefing with CEOs and Unions on worker ownership structures

In preparation for Workers Day 2021, members of the media are invited to attend a virtual media briefing on worker ownership structures that will be hosted by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel.

Date: Friday, 30 April 2021
Time: 10:15 – 11:45 (Participants may join at 10h00)
Platform: Zoom

https://gcis.zoom.us/j/98538144616?pwd=NEVtSlkrSWpvU2lBNTVJeWgrajRTdz09

Meeting ID: 985 3814 4616

Passcode: 563270

Broad-based transformation is of critical importance for South Africa to re-ignite the economy and address the challenges of the past.

An important element of broad-based transformation includes bringing workers into the ownership and representative structures of companies across the economy. Government Policy has identified worker empowerment through ownership structures as a key outcome for this Sixth Administration of government.

A number of companies have implemented or have agreed to implement worker ownership structures including Coca-Cola Beverage South Africa, Pepsico South Africa (formerly Pioneer Foods and Simba), ABInbev South Africa, Astron Energy (formerly Chevron SA), Vodacom, Sasol, and Kumba to name just a few.

To highlight such progress in the lead up to Workers’ Day on 1 May 2021, and to discuss the opportunities for further development of this model of empowerment, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Minister Ebrahim Patel, will be joined by the leadership of companies and unions which have been involved in the implementation of Worker Ownership structures in partnership with government. and to hear first-hand how such structures complement the strategic direction of these companies, creating alignment between employees, management and shareholders. The discussion will be hosted virtually in association with Government Communications

The briefing will provide the media with details of progress made. This will provide the journalists with an opportunity to hear first-hand how such structures complement the strategic direction of these companies, creating alignment between employees, management and shareholders.

Participants in the press briefing with Minister Patel will include the following:

Pepsico South Africa (formerly Pioneer Foods and Simba), Tertius Carstens, CEO
Astron Energy (formerly Chevron SA), Jonathan Molapo, CEO
ABInbev South Africa, Richard Rivett-Carnac, VP Finance
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, Nozicelo Ngcobo, Director: Public Affairs and Sustainability
The Industrial Development Corporation, Busi Mabuza, Chairperson
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, Tony Ehrenreich
Food and Allied Workers Union, Mayoyo Mngomezulu, General Secretary
Business Unity South Africa, Martin Kingston, Vice President

Media Participation: Journalists may view the briefing via live streaming on the South African Government social media channels on the links below: