THE MARITIME Transport Industry Black Economic Empowerment(BEE) Charter steering committee has finalised what is said to be an almost complete fourth draft of the maritime sector’s empowerment charter. The charter will follow a balanced scorecard format - used for the mining and minerals and energy sectors - but will have different targets for equity transfer, employment equity and black supplier development. These will cater for the maritime sector’s specific market dynamics for both the capital intensive and service-related segments as well as being sensitive to the fact that some indicators might not apply to international companies. Commenting on the work done thus far, Fred Jacobs, chairman of the steering committee and executive director of a major shipping line, said: “We are particularly pleased that the process that started off in February this year has significantly narrowed down what were major differences around specific targets amongst the various stakeholders, and has produced a document that is broadly accepted and will guide the new way of doing business in and developing the country’s maritime industry.” The fourth draft will be circulated to all major stakeholders, including heads of industry, for final comments before it is submitted to the acting Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe. It is expected that all captains of industry will meet the Minister on September 26, National Maritime Day, to exchange their views on and endorse the charter.
