BEE is a game that most companies need to play
Like every game there are rules and laws. BEE is quite unique in that the codes of good practice that guide people in a BEE implementation are poorly drafted and wildly open to interpretation.
This is good and bad. Bad because the department that’s responsible for the management and implementation of BEE are generally clueless about it. The real danger lies in the fact that their ignorance is dangerous. This danger is mitigated because they rarely get involved in anything BEE related.
It’s good because there is huge room for interpretation.
We were listening to a recent interview with Sakeliga’s Russell Lamberti where he advised that even if companies can submit a BEE affidavit because their turnover is below R10m, that they don’t. His advice is that you don’t even play the game.
We recognise that is a form of Ghandi’s Satyagraha - nonviolent resistance. And while we are keen followers of Sakeliga we do not regard this as sound advice for now.
If BEE is a game then follow the rules
But only make use of the rules that work for your business. These are rules that we know work.
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Make sure everything you do can be reversed
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Do not do anything that threatens your shareholding permanently
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There are ways to comply by spending less money.
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Play the game to beat the legislators at their own game.
If you can’t play the game by following those rules then SPEAK to us to find out if we can figure out a way to play by those rules. If WE CAN’T help you then revert to Russel Lambarti’s advice.
CONTACT US for an obligation-free and FREE BEE consultation on your business and its BEE compliance.