The final draft of the ICT industry`s empowerment charter, which was due to be handed to Cabinet via communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri today, has been delayed, says Dali Mpofu, chairman of the empowerment charter working group.
"The handing over has been delayed until early October, because we are still waiting for extra comments from the labour constituency who are currently consulting with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac)," says Mpofu.
"They are not exactly sure when they will submit the final draft to the minister, but everything should be ready in the coming week or two.
"There was an overwhelming response from the industry, and the working group is extremely happy with most of the positive comments received. Nevertheless, there are some issues of clarification that need to be dealt with," says Mpofu.
The final document contains some of the comments received in response to the fourth draft, as well as the finalised results of various engagements with some of the stakeholders.
"All outstanding issues with the government have been cleared. Talks around the composition and nominations of, as well as appointments to, the ICT BEE council may proceed immediately after the handing over of the draft, and the commencement date of the charter, being 1 March 2005.
"I am very upbeat with the final draft and looking forward to the final lap. It was never going to be an easy road, but the amount of input from the industry, the collective effort of the working group, and especially the support received from the government have made the whole process smooth," says Mpofu.
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