The new black economic empowerment (BEE) draft for the Gauteng province, which notes concerns about the ICT empowerment charter, will be available today for public viewing and recommendations on the provincial government`s Web site.
This follows the presentation of the provincial black empowerment draft at the Gauteng BEE indaba in Midrand this week. Various stakeholders engaged in discussions at the indaba to help develop an empowerment strategy to fast-track transformation and economic development in the province.
"All suggestions made will be consolidated and will be discussed at the next indaba, expected to be held in the first week of July. The final strategy draft will be launched at the end of July," says Gauteng Department of Financial and Economic Affairs spokesman, Percy Mthimkhulu.
He says because the draft is still in its early stages, there is room for all parties concerned to contribute.
"At the consultative forum, it was decided that the draft should set minimum targets for BEE and that by 2014 at least 80% of small ICT companies should be the ones that benefit the most," says Mthimkhulu.
He says a number of concerns were raised with regards to the ICT charter. The biggest concern was the limitations small and medium enterprises face in getting government tenders.
Mthimkhulu says stakeholders had the opportunity to engage in discussions and make suggestions, as well as criticise the document.
"Various stakeholders all shared a common vision that partnerships between business, government and the civil society sectors should work together, towards achievement of the empowerment objectives," says Mthimkhulu.
"Personally, the highlight of the indaba was the enthusiasm shown by various parties outside government, who have the same desired objectives and are committed to ensuring the policy becomes effective," he says.
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