WATCH | Is BBBEE having the desired impact? Here's what the research says

Despite 28 years of democracy, SA remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. To understand the growing inequality and find strategic ways to remedy it, Sanlam, in partnership with the Sunday Times Business Times, hosted the 2022 Sanlam Gauge conference on July 20. 

This virtual event — watch a recording of it above — featured insights from industry experts and also acted as the launch pad for the second annual Sanlam Gauge report.

The first consolidated research report of its kind, the Sanlam Gauge provides a holistic measurement of economic transformation in the country, accounting for all elements of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE).

It aims to provide a more defined view of how sectors within SA are transforming, so that players can work together to pull specific levers to set in motion meaningful inclusivity, growth and transformation of their industries. 

During the conference, Stuart Theobald, chairperson of leading research firm Intellidex, and Lerato Ratsoma, MD of Empowerdex, the biggest BBBEE ratings agency in SA, shared the findings of the research report.

Sanlam Gauge co-founder Andile Khumalo then hosted a discussion with senior BBBEE sector council representatives, addressing key outcomes of the report and the successes and challenges in their sector’s journey to date. 

The panel included:

• Andile Tlhoaele, chairperson, ICT Sector Council;
• Madime Mokoena, director: BBBEE Charters Compliance, department of agriculture, land reform and rural development;
• Gregory Mofokeng, executive committee member, Construction Sector Charter Council; and  
• Pumla Ncapayi, CEO, Financial Sector Transformation Council.

Award-winning broadcaster Gugulethu Mfuphi also hosted a discussion with captains of industry to gain insights into their lived experiences in driving inclusive growth and BBBEE. 

Panel members included:

• Hamza Farooqui, CEO, Millat Investments;
• Vukani Mngxati, CEO, Accenture in Africa; 
• Sindi Mabaso-Koyana, chairperson, AWCA Investment Holdings; and
• Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, SA CEO, Naspers. 

The 2022 Sanlam Gauge report is available for download at Sanlamgauge.co.za