WITH REFERENCE to the BEE articles published by FTW in the last issue of 2007, the yardsticks for assessing status as an EME and QSE are R5m and R35m respectively, but revenue not turnover. Our industry participants need to ensure they become compliant and address their BBBEE status urgently. I don’t doubt this applies to most industries at present not just C&F. Although at present no verification agencies have been accredited, I understand that is likely to happen in the first quarter of 2008. I should perhaps mention that in my experience Saaff has been wholeheartedly involved in negotiating with government for some years on BEE issues. This goes back to the original negotiations surrounding the industry Charter in 2004 and still continues today with one of our national executives involved on a continuous basis with the DOT. The inclusion of the EME and QSE provision in the February gazette threw a different light on the approaches many industries might take, including C&F. Decisions still need to be made on whether there is need for a specific industry charter or whether the generic codes fulfil our industry needs. As regards the Draft Port Rules I should also mention that Saaff has made submissions directly to Transnet over a number of concerns we have with the draft document and we have added our name to the comprehensive submission on all parts of the Draft Rules prepared and submitted by the National Port Users Forum which represents a range of port users and stakeholders. Saaff will continue in its efforts to ensure that our industry is represented at every level of decisionmaking affecting us and equally to make information on developments available to members. Dave Watts, Saaff KZN.
