While reaching Level 1 Contributor status in the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, is commendable for any organisation remaining can be a challenge.

This is the view of UWP Consulting CEO Nonkululeko Sindane who recently praised her team for years of effort that have culminated in doing exactly that.

UWP was certified at Level 1 by verification agency Renaissance SA Ratings in November 2017. Sindane says the entire submission process was completed internally. “We took a decision not to outsource as we felt that we would understand the processes better by doing it ourselves. So now we know what we need to do to maintain it.”

“Our team responsible for our B-BBEE efforts across the business is on top of its game. It’s not only about scorecard numbers, but about achieving positive results for the benefit of everyone in the company.”

UWP will be assessed against the new Amended Construction Sector Codes of Good Practice in November 2018.

Sindane points out that these codes have areas that are onerous, but not insurmountable. “We are working on plans to address all the challenges and we are cautiously optimistic that we can retain our Level 1 status.”

Management Control

Sindane says a fundamental change in the Construction Sector Codes lies in Management Control, where the points previously available for employing technical employees in junior management positions have been removed.

“UWP will continue to employ young professionals at this level, but we will intensify the training and development needed to fast track their advancement in the company. Our young professionals will have to share the responsibility for their own progress and for our success as a company,” she emphasises.

Socio-Economic Development

Showing the interconnectedness of the different scorecard elements, she points to UWP’s 100% Socio-Economic Development (SED) score, largely due to the company’s Nurture a Girl initiative to support teenage girls in their final years of school. “We are providing social support including mentorship and training. The programme includes girls with learning disabilities.”

In the past year UWP has provided water tanks in needy schools, improved media centres, upgraded security, assisted with counselling facilities, and partnered with other organisations to motivate learners.

Supplier Development

UWP has placed strong focus on Enterprise Development in the generic codes and is partnering successfully with several emerging enterprises. “We are comfortable with the shift in emphasis to Supplier Development in the Construction Sector Codes as our enterprise development partners are potential suppliers of goods and services to UWP,” she says.

Sindane points out that solid frameworks are in place for the development of employee skills internally and supplier skills externally. “It’s now about using these programmes to produce the required outcomes.”