Despite the compliance deadline for revised B-BEE codes fast approaching, the low level of compliance is disappointing. In fact companies are reluctant to commit themselves, disputing the revised policy’s effect on their operations.
Some concerned companies are even considering taking the legal route to contest the rationality of the codes.
A medium sized cross border transport business owner who called Transform SA Online offices bemoaned: “I am black, the supposed beneficiary of the BEE policies, but I don’t see the complicated checklist growing my business.”
The general sentiment is that the codes are too draconian, making compliance to transformation too difficult.
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has reduced codes from seven to five (ownership, skills development, and enterprise and supplier development), which has made compliance difficult.
“You can see the codes are flawed from the onset and I doubt the dti thought through this. Another long and hard look is required.”
