Johannesburg, 26 Aug 2004
Spartan Technology Rentals, which received the highest black economic empowerment (BEE) accreditation rating in the IT rental sector to date, has welcomed recent developments around the ICT BEE charter.
Although he stressed the need for industry transformation, Spartan CEO, Kumaran Padayachee, said the provision that allows companies - be they multinationals or not - to apply for non-conformance certificates while still being expected to comply with minimum score-card points in tender processes, would accelerate finalisation of the ICT charter.
"This is a pragmatic route as one of the major stumbling blocks to the adoption of the ICT charter has revolved around the issue of equity ownership, especially with regard to multinational companies," said Padayachee.
He added that the provision translated to a "win-win option" for the entire ICT sector.
However, Padayachee urged all ICT stakeholders, especially multinational organisations, not to lose sight of industry transformation goals and targets. "The provision that provides for the application of non-conformance certificates should not be seen as a licence for the relaxation sector transformation initiatives."
According to Padayachee, all industry role-players should re-invigorate their drive towards black economic empowerment in light of the latitude allowed by the Department of Communications and the Charter Working Group.
Earlier this year, Spartan Technology Rentals received a 75% BEE rating by global audit and business advisory firm, Ernst & Young, an accomplishment that was hailed by Ajay Lalu, Director of BEE Strategic Services at Ernst & Young.
"Companies like Spartan are ahead of the game in having their BEE status verified, warts and all, and it is encouraging to see that Spartan is taking this process to heart and acting positively in improving the areas that need attention," said Lalu.
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