Latest news with #EEIP
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Starlink proposal: Mashatile says Cabinet holds final say on policy changes
Deputy President Mashatile assured MPs that all policy changes, including EEIP ownership rules, must go through Cabinet. Nothing will be changed unless the Cabinet decides so. This is what Deputy President Paul Mashatile told parliament regarding Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi's decision to gazette a policy directive, the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). It proposes to relax the longstanding requirement that foreign ICT investors must hold at least 30% equity in partnership with historically disadvantaged Black people in SA. Cabinet holds authority to approve changes — Mashatile Mashatile addressed oral questions from members of parliament (MPs) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday afternoon. Answering a question from uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party's MP, Seeng Mmabatho Mokoena, the deputy president clarified the need for ministers to follow proper procedures when identifying issues with legislation, emphasising that the Cabinet holds the authority to approve any changes. Mashatile stated that any changes to legislation must be presented to Cabinet and then to parliament for approval, as the 30% ownership requirement for licences is enshrined in law. ALSO READ: 'I'm viewing my options,' says Lesufi on availability for ANC's top positions 'It may well be that as a minister, once you have made your determination, Cabinet may not agree that you are right,' he said. He added that no minister has the power to change any law through regulations. 'Nothing will be changed unless Cabinet decides it should be so,' the deputy minister said. Regression of social cohesion Mashatile was responding to questions about the regression of social cohesion in South Africa, as outlined in the 2024 SA Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research report. The study revealed that South Africa's overall cohesion level was moderate at 53.3. This reverses a prior decline but with significant provincial and dimensional variations — Limpopo showed the highest provincial cohesion, while KwaZulu-Natal had the lowest. Chief Whip of the NCOP, Kenneth Mmoiemang, raised concerns about opposition to the government's efforts to address historical inequalities and promote economic transformation. Watch Mashatile respond to questions in the NCOP here: ALSO READ: South Africa needs more leaders like Mujica Mashatile responded by outlining various programmes and measures aimed at advancing transformation, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and the National Development Plan. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing transformative legislation enacted by the previous administration. 'Indeed, if someone wants to make some changes to any of these laws, that must then come to Cabinet and then back to parliament. There will be no shortcut, because laws are made and passed by parliament,' he said. 'There will be no shortcut' EFF MP Mathapelo Siwisa asked the deputy president about efforts to address income inequality since taking office. Mashatile said that growing the economy and providing opportunities for people to make a living are crucial for social cohesion. He emphasised the need for municipalities and mayors to work together to address local challenges. Mokoena later inquired about the deputy president's alleged accusations of corruption. Mashatile emphasised the importance of providing evidence in allegations and noted that courts of law are the appropriate forums for establishing authenticity. ALSO READ: MP claims Mashatile shooting used to justify VIP protection boost The deputy president acknowledged the existence of several allegations against him and mentioned the proactive steps he has taken, including presenting himself before the ethics committee in parliament and the ANC's integrity commission. 'But let me assure you, honourable members of the house, that I will continue to subject myself to the relevant institutions as established through our own constitution,' he said. There was an allegation that Mashatile did not declare certain things to remain transparent; he said the register in his office will be updated in a timely manner to prevent such issues. Corruption allegations He added that his office's media team is responsible for ensuring prompt responses to press and social media issues. 'I want to conclude by affirming my unwavering commitment to fully cooperate with the ethics and integrity committees of parliament as well as other law enforcement agencies or state institutions that may require clarity on any matter concerning these allegations,' Mashatile said.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Parliament to grill Minister Malatsi on controversial broadband policy favouring Starlink
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi will brief Parliament on a draft policy easing B-BBEE rules for tech firms like Starlink, amid growing concerns over its impact on transformation laws. Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will on Tuesday, hold a crucial briefing with Minister Solly Malatsi and his department amid mounting controversy over newly gazetted policy directions that could ease B-BBEE requirements for satellite operators like Elon Musk's Starlink. The focus of the meeting is a draft policy directive relating to the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) in the ICT sector. The directive, published on May 23, outlines a path for multinational companies to bypass traditional equity ownership rules, a move critics say undermines South Africa's transformation legislation. According to the Committee Chairperson Khusela Diko, 'The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has invited Minister Solly Malatsi and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to appear before the committee and brief on the recently gazetted policy directions.' Diko further added: 'The recently gazetted policy directions appear to be in contravention of the Electronic Communications Act and in favour of low earth orbit satellite provider SpaceX.' In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Malatsi confirmed his attendance, saying, 'I'll honour the invitation.'
The Star
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Samsung maintains Level 1 B-BBEE rating for seven years in a row
Samsung initiatives include partnerships with black SMMEs, workplace training, and education-based CSR Image: Supplied Samsung has accomplished a remarkable milestone by maintaining its Level 1 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) status for seven (7) consecutive years, an affirmation of its genuine commitment to transformation as well as continued development and growth in South Africa. The company has continuously set new benchmarks in the industry and confirmed its determination in driving economic transformation in South Africa through its B-BBEE Initiatives. The retention of this Level 1 B-BBEE rating signifies and emphasises Samsung's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable economic transformation, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and the wider South African business landscape. Over the years, Samsung has demonstrated its dedication to diversity and inclusion through a number of B-BBEE initiatives illustrated by its diverse workforce, partnerships with black SMMEs, access to supply chains, investment in workplace training, graduate programmes as well as its education-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These B-BBEE initiatives are driven through Samsung's landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in May 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic). Samsung is now celebrating six years of this programme's sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation in the South African economy. Now in its seventh year, the EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals. Samsung's unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment is proven once more by the maintenance of this Level 1 B-BBEE status. Also, this rating re-affirms Samsung's continued drive to genuine economic transformation in South Africa and investment in the various pillars of the scorecard. The company's approach to B-BBEE over the years - has focused on five key pillars: Ownership through EEIP & Management Control, Employment Equity & Skills Development, Preferential Procurement & Enterprise Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility). Samsung maintains its Level 1 B-BBEE status for 7 years, underscoring its commitment to economic transformation in South Africa. Image: Supplied As a good corporate citizen that has consistently supported the country's transformation agenda in the last three decades, Samsung has invested in a number of specific initiatives that have contributed immensely in fostering a more equitable society. As part of its skills development initiatives, Samsung has various programmes focused on electronics technician training, including the MICTSETA accredited Young Technician Programme. The aim of this MICTSETA accredited Young Technician programme is to bridge the gap between education and employment. This is a structured learnership programme that combines practical work experience with theoretical training. The programme provides learners with skills to be able to work at Samsung Accredited Service Centres. This 12-month programme equips learners with technical skills as well as behavioural competencies giving them hands on experience - enabling the learners to successfully enter the work place environment. Samsung believes in supporting academically deserving students with proven financial need to take their first steps toward achieving their dreams and to obtain their first Undergraduate or Honours Degree. The Samsung External Bursary programme aims to fund academically deserving students who do not have the financial means to study full time towards an Undergraduate or Honours degree at a South African University or University of Technology. The programme also prioritises people living with disabilities. The aim of the programme is to address skills shortages as well as to attract talent pool aligned to Samsung's business model. In 2024, Samsung benefited 122 bursars, including 82 students with disabilities. This well-considered and integrated approach has enabled Samsung to partner with universities and SETA accredited training providers to train 1440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training. The training of unemployed youth addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer and artisan graduates. Also, in an effort to prove that its transformation agenda is not just a tick box exercise - Samsung has increased its focus on unemployed learners through its internship and learnership programmes - supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences during and post the learnership or internship period. This skills development programme is geared towards ensuring that Samsung increases the employability of the country's young hopefuls. Samsung's programme reach extends beyond Gauteng, it also includes Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape provinces. The EEIP is crucial for job creation, showcasing Samsung's investment in South Africa's future. Image: Supplied
Mail & Guardian
22-04-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Samsung Maintains Level 1 B-BBEE Rating for Seven Years In A Row
Remarkable Milestone – Affirming its Commitment to Continued Development & Growth in South Africa Samsung has accomplished a remarkable milestone by maintaining its Level 1 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) status for seven (7) consecutive years, an affirmation of its genuine commitment to transformation as well as continued development and growth in South Africa. The company has continuously set new benchmarks in the industry and confirmed its determination in driving economic transformation in South Africa through its B-BBEE Initiatives. The retention of this Level 1 B-BBEE rating signifies and emphasises Samsung's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful and sustainable economic transformation, diversity and inclusion within the organisation and the wider South African business landscape. Over the years, Samsung has demonstrated its dedication to diversity and inclusion through a number of B-BBEE initiatives illustrated by its diverse workforce, partnerships with black SMMEs, access to supply chains, investment in workplace training, graduate programmes as well as its education-based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These B-BBEE initiatives are driven through Samsung's landmark R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in May 2019 in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtic). Samsung is now celebrating six years of this programme's sustained success. This EEIP programme is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation in the South African economy. Now in its seventh year, the EEIP programme has managed to rise to the challenge of achieving its ambitious goals. Samsung's unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment is proven once more by the maintenance of this Level 1 B-BBEE status. Also, this rating re-affirms Samsung's continued drive to genuine economic transformation in South Africa and investment in the various pillars of the scorecard. The company's approach to B-BBEE over the years – has focused on five key pillars: Ownership through EEIP & Management Control, Employment Equity & Skills Development, Preferential Procurement & Enterprise Development as well as Socio-Economic Development (Social Responsibility). As a good corporate citizen that has consistently supported the country's transformation agenda in the last three decades, Samsung has invested in a number of specific initiatives that have contributed immensely in fostering a more equitable society. As part of its skills development initiatives , Samsung has various programmes focused on electronics technician training, including the MICTSETA accredited Young Technician Programme. The aim of this MICTSETA accredited Young Technician programme is to bridge the gap between education and employment. This is a structured learnership programme that combines practical work experience with theoretical training. The programme provides learners with skills to be able to work at Samsung Accredited Service Centres. This 12-month programme equips learners with technical skills as well as behavioural competencies giving them hands on experience – enabling the learners to successfully enter the work place environment. Samsung believes in supporting academically deserving students with proven financial need to take their first steps toward achieving their dreams and to obtain their first Undergraduate or Honours Degree. The Samsung External Bursary programme aims to fund academically deserving students who do not have the financial means to study full time towards an Undergraduate or Honours degree at a South African University or University of Technology. The programme also prioritises people living with disabilities. The aim of the programme is to address skills shortages as well as to attract talent pool aligned to Samsung's business model. In 2024, Samsung benefited 122 bursars, including 82 students with disabilities. This well-considered and integrated approach has enabled Samsung to partner with universities and SETA accredited training providers to train 1440 software developers and accredited technicians to enhance their prospects of securing employment, starting their own businesses and further training. The training of unemployed youth addresses a key need in the South African ICT sector and has resulted in a marked increase in female software developer and artisan graduates. Also, in an effort to prove that its transformation agenda is not just a tick box exercise – Samsung has increased its focus on unemployed learners through its internship and learnership programmes – supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences during and post the learnership or internship period. This skills development programme is geared towards ensuring that Samsung increases the employability of the country's young hopefuls. Samsung's programme reach extends beyond Gauteng, it also includes Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape provinces. In addition, Samsung's efforts when it comes to enterprise development include its re-direction of existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned Qualifying Small Enterprises ('QSEs') and Exempt Micro Enterprises ('EMEs'). The company has ensured that these small enterprises were included in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung with a focus on the following, approved areas: Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment. And, as part of the third phase of the Enterprise Development & E-Waste programmes which was launched towards the end of 2021, a further investment of over R60-million is planned over the next three years. And furthermore, as part of its contribution to socio-economic development: Samsung has invested in education-focused initiatives that include the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) which teaches 4IR skills including coding and programming, AI, IoT and big data to students in higher learning institutions. And furthermore, Samsung has over the years ploughed further resources into the global Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition that is now in its third year of execution – targeting grade 10 and 11 learners from disadvantage schools across the country to solve community problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). These education-focused initiatives that are driven through technology are a re-affirmation of the company's commitment to STEM education and the upliftment of underserved communities. Samsung believes that all these efforts are essential in driving economic transformation in the country and creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment. The seven years of retaining this outstanding Level 1 B-BBEE status is a true reflection of Samsung's profound, long-term and impactful dedication to transformation which transcends mere compliance.
