Joy Orlek A NEW black economic empowerment association that will provide the backing and support to ensure that the objectives of the Maritime Industry BEE charter are met has opened its doors to members. ABMOSA Ð the Association of Black Maritime Organisations of South Africa Ð will, according to chairman Lance Manala, provide emerging empowerment companies with the skills and networking opportunities to ensure that transformation succeeds in terms of the charter process. Manala’s ten years in the industry, initially with BP both locally and in the UK, more recently as executive director of Dudula Shipping, and currently as a consultant to maritime organisations looking at strategy, procurement and transformation, have provided valuable insight. “Traditionally the maritime industry has been a closed shop. It’s now time to open up the ‘Old Boys Club’ and for the whole industry to embrace transformation,” he told FTW. The association is primarily geared towards promoting and safeguarding the interests of black enterprises, defined in the charter as companies 25% owned by previously disadvantaged individuals. “During the concessioning process we will for example ensure that potential participants fulfil the demands of the charter in terms of participation by the previously disadvantaged. We will also argue for hands-on participation at management level,” he said. Manala believes there has been a great deal of resistance to change in the industry, “which confirms that people are not keen to see transformation take place. “The charter was however created by a broad range of players - corporates, big industry, government institutions, the media and a range of consultants - who are all positive about the final outcome.” Membership of ABMOSA will not be limited to corporate members who fulfil the charter requirements, but also those companies who show commitment to transformation and are perhaps on the lookout for an empowerment partner. Such companies will be accommodated as associate members rather than full members and will be allowed to participate in discussions but not in executive decisions. Membership already stands at 40, 80% of whom have black equity shareholding. The association will establish two offices. Manala is based in Cape Town while a second operation will be set up in Durban. Part of the association’s mission will be to provide members with industry-specific practical training by specialists in the field. For further information about ABMOSA, email lancemanala@fairbreezediagnostics.com
