Turning B-BBEE compliance into real business value

“At The BEE Chamber, we support businesses in navigating these requirements pragmatically. Our role is not to advocate for every aspect of the legislation, but to help companies interpret and implement it in ways that minimise risk while unlocking real commercial opportunities.”
From representation to influence: Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2026

Now in its ninth year, the conference has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading platforms for advancing women in business. More than a conference, it is where influential conversations spark new partnerships, practical ideas become action, and leadership is translated into lasting impact.
Pull up a chair: Here’s why organisations need women in leadership

“Research by Forbes suggests that gender diverse teams make better business decisions and succeed 73% of the time compared to non-gender diverse teams. So what do we do then?”
The opportunity for economic inclusion through the evolution of the B-BBEE landscape

he gravitation towards Broad-Based BEE proved that fundamental transformation of the patterns of ownership of the mainstream of the country’s economy was necessary.
Inclusive growth requires more than compliance to address inequalities in South Africa

For many organisations, transformation has become synonymous with scorecards, targets and regulatory reporting. These remain important mechanisms for accountability, but they were never intended to define transformation itself.
How Rassie Erasmus found strength in diversity

“What Rassie seems to understand that others before him have not is that a pure quota system at the top level has failed to transform the game because it focuses on the end-goal instead of the pathway the players come through.”
What Komati can teach us about the “just” transition

We are in the midst of a transition, what is meant to be a ‘just; transition, and South Africa is perfect for exploring how to give meaning to the ‘just’ part.
Passion, purpose and progress: Meet Kushela Naidoo, MD, Wallace & Green

Wallace & Green (W&G) is a leading consultancy providing professional environmental services to various sectors throughout South Africa.
The intersection between public procurement and B-BBEE

The state has a golden opportunity to enforce localised procurement across all spheres of government, at national, provincial, and local levels, including within state-owned entities.
BASF in South Africa: Driving inclusive, sustainable impact at scale

Sponsored Content Who is BASF? At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. With 161 years globally and 60 years in South Africa, our portfolio spans chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, agricultural solutions, and nutrition and care, serving industries across the value chain. In South Africa, our role goes beyond products. We deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that enable customers to grow responsibly, while actively investing in local talent, supplier ecosystems, and communities. This ensures that economic success is not only delivered but also shared across society. The “Winning Ways” strategy BASF’s “Winning Ways” strategy is built on a clear ambition to drive profitable growth while creating sustainable value for society. Shaped by a 161 year global legacy and 60 years of local presence, the strategy focuses on: In South Africa, these priorities are deliberately aligned with national transformation goals. We bring this strategy to life by: This is executed through an integrated model that connects: Our Level 1 B-BBEE achievement reflects how this strategy translates into real impact, delivering transformation that is inclusive, investable, and sustainable. At its core, “Winning Ways” ensures that business success and societal progress remain inseparable. What sets BASF apart from the competition? What sets BASF apart is our investment led, outcomes driven approach to transformation, built on decades of global expertise and local commitment. Our achievement as the first non-South African multinational chemical company to attain Level 1 B-BBEE status reflects years of deliberate, sustained action. We create impact across three key areas: Through the BASF South Africa Trust, we have implemented 30% black women ownership, while supporting more than 60 female students in STEM, building future talent pipelines. Through graduates, apprentices, interns, and learners with disabilities, we provide hands-on experience and meaningful career pathways Our ESD programme invests R2-million to R6-million per enterprise, combining capital, capability, and market access to building sustainable businesses This integrated approach enables BASF to deliver lasting impact through jobs, ownership, and economic participation. Congratulations on being a Bronze Impact Sponsor for the Top Empowerment Conference. What does this opportunity mean to you and BASF? Being a Bronze Impact Sponsor reflects BASF’s commitment to actively shaping the transformation agenda in South Africa, building on 60 years of local impact. For BASF, this platform enables us to: Winning the Socio-Economic Impact Award affirms that our work is delivering measurable and scalable outcomes. Please share a message of inspiration with our readers. Transformation is built through consistent investment over time. For BASF, this journey is grounded in the belief that: As highlighted by our leadership: “Through investing in people, empowering suppliers, and advancing opportunities for women, we are shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.” Ultimately, real progress comes from turning access into opportunity, opportunity into ownership, and ownership into lasting impact.