Yonela Ntsaluba, spokesperson for 2024 HR Indaba partner BEE123, looks at how technology is revolutionising compliance and transformation in South Africa.
“As much as you want to achieve the compliance part of it, it’s about showcasing true transformation,” says Yonela Ntsaluba, spokesperson for BEE123.
BEE123 recognises that compliance is just the starting point. Their employment equity software’s comprehensive suite of tools and insights enables companies to go beyond ticking boxes and drive meaningful change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“If we’re talking about DEI, looking at the diversity aspect within your workforce and a specific focus on the management control element on the B-BBEE scorecard, looking at equity, which speaks to employment equity – inclusion is how you measure how all these things come alive in your business,” explains Yonela.
By aligning B-BBEE and employment equity strategies with DEI principles, organisations can foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace, which in turn contributes to broader societal transformation.
One of the standout features of BEE123 is its robust data and analytics capabilities. Saul Symanowitz, a founder of the software, attests to the value of these insights: “Because compliance is sorted beautifully through the tool, one is able to lift out of the complexity of multiple spreadsheets and focus on the data. Analytics gives them more insight into where they should be focusing.”
BEE123’s interactive dashboards provide a visual representation of complex data, allowing users to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement. This empowers organisations to make informed strategic decisions, track progress, and ensure that transformation efforts are yielding tangible results.
Transformation beyond compliance
For many organisations, transformation is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of South African society.
Transformation should also be about implementing meaningful initiatives. For example, if a company is able to create an ecosystem from sponsoring bursaries, those same individuals could be on an apprenticeship programme with the company and ultimately form part of the workforce or even start their own business, and there are other channels through enterprise and supplier development to assist them. BEE123 is helping companies achieve this goal by providing the tools and insights needed to embed transformation into their DNA.
“Our software does the heavy lifting of sorting the data,” says Yonela. “But more importantly, there’s always that human touch, a subject matter expert, which is our advisory component.”
BEE123 combines cutting-edge technology with expert guidance to ensure that companies are not only compliant, but also actively driving transformation.
“As a product of being absorbed post a learnership programme and being given the opportunity to enter corporate, skills development is a crucial aspect of both B-BBEE and EE, and BEE123’s integrated platform allows organisations to manage both compliance areas seamlessly. By aligning skills development initiatives with transformation goals, companies can nurture a diverse talent pipeline and ensure that they have the right people in the right roles to drive future growth,” says Yonela.
The future of compliance and transformation
With pending amendments to the Employment Equity Act on the horizon, the landscape of compliance is set to become even more complex. BEE123 is well-positioned to help organisations navigate these changes. By providing a comprehensive solution that addresses both compliance and transformation, BEE123 is empowering South African businesses to build a more equitable and inclusive future.
BEE123’s unwavering commitment to innovation and transformation is evident in its ever-evolving platform. As the regulatory landscape shifts, BEE123 continues to adapt, ensuring that businesses have the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve. This dedication to excellence has garnered the trust of leading organisations across South Africa, including MTN, Standard Bank, Dimension Data and Bidvest Group, all of whom trust BEE123 to drive their compliance and transformation journeys.
For businesses seeking to not only comply with regulations, but also to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, BEE123 offers a powerful solution. By harnessing the power of data and insights, organisations can unlock their full potential for transformation and make a lasting impact on South African society.
