BEE ‘fronts’ cripple legitimate operators Try Sebenza’s easy test

BEE OR not BEE, that is the question.
And it’s a question close to the heart of empowerment company Sebenza Forwarding.
“The industry has become riddled with organisations that are fronting for Black Economic Empowerment, and they are crippling companies that have built up the proper empowerment credentials,” says Sebenza’s Connie Smith.
“But how to sort out ‘window-dressers’ from organisations like ourselves that have been established for the promotion of skills transfer and empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) is a question often raised,” says Smith.
“In our case, we were established without the assistance of any other freight organisation. In other words Sebenza has its own Customs licences, own deferment bonds, own international network, bank account and a network of offices nationally and internationally that belong to Sebenza Forwarding.”
And these are the criteria she believes should be applied to establish legitimate empowerment status.
“Legitimate empowerment companies must also be at least 51% owned by PDIs,” she added.
But BEE status does not necessarily open doors with ease.
“We’ve experienced reluctance from organisations who are often unwilling to support BEE due to past perceptions. Our answer has been to provide uncompromising service. In addition, through our sophisticated communication technology and internal networks, we are able to offer track and trace capability as well as warehouse management systems.”