Technology Corporate Management (TCM) has proven itself as an esteemed transformation leader in the ICT industry by retaining its EmpowerDex AAA, Level 2 contribution broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) rating for the third year in a row. TCM's B-BBEE review was once again conducted in accordance with the ICT charter, which addresses all of the seven elements within the framework.
"When TCM embarked on its BEE and transformation strategy in 2004, it understood that BEE not only needed to be a part of its culture, but also its processes. During the last two years, there have been various amendments and adaptations around the BEE framework as set out by the Department of Trade and Industry. This was never alarming to TCM, as BEE has been adopted as part of its operations," says Iqbal Hassim, TCM Executive Director and B-BBEE custodian.
The recently revised codes have been published and there is room for adjustment with the timelines provided by the DTI. This was, however, not the case with the ICT charter. On the release of the finalised sector codes, companies were expected to adopt these changes immediately, against historical financial data.
In reviewing its achievements annually through the audit (carried out by SANAS accredited agency EmpowerDex), TCM is able to review any possible areas it could improve on. Financial projections are conducted quarterly and shared with the transformation panel, which then measures current tracking across those elements of BEE which correlate to financial measures.
Hassim explains that to implement a truly sustainable transformation strategy, solid and realistic policies needed to be put into place. Incorporating BEE as part of the company's everyday operations meant that all functions relating to BEE needed to be manageable. "Through the ability to proactively track its BEE related functions such as enterprise development and skills development, TCM is able to review its progress at any given point. Should there be areas which require improvement or assessment, the level at which intervention is required can be easily identified simply by reviewing policy."
The ICT charter dictates that activities in the elements of enterprise development and socio-economic development need to be industry related in order to be recognised. The company maintains that its strategic and visionary approach to these areas have allowed it to continue with most of its key initiatives. "TCM has always understood what the objectives of these pillars were and engaged in meaningful and sustainable campaigns. "We will continue to generate skills for the ICT industry through TCM Academy. Of these skills, since the formation of the academy, the group has absorbed an average of 70%. This initiative enables achievement under skills development as well as corporate social responsibility," he explains.
Hassim believes BEE does not happen on its own and that a clearly defined strategy and vision is the first step. A company needs to decide: what BEE means to it as an entity and why it wants to have a transformation plan in place. A company needs to embed the processes which enable and track its vision seamlessly into all of its functions.
"This embedding ensures that the vision is realised. As explained, with clear reasoning behind the TCM strategy, we are able to generate and retain valuable skills. Our strategy has created a culture in which employees understand their importance within the organisation. Our skills set is what differentiates us from competitors. TCM staff understand the role they play in delivering solutions to its customers. As a company with a strong services focus, it is key that we have the right skills in place; this comes only from the investment from the organisation and the commitment and dedication from staff members," explains Hassim.
Through this achievement, TCM customers continue to enjoy a claimable BEE procurement recognition level of 125%. "We have engineered a system where there is synergy to drive the strategy forward, while still making business sense," concludes Hassim.
TCM company information:
B-BBEE status: EmpowerDEX "AAA", Level 2 Contributor
Contact: +2711 848 6000 ormarketing@tcm.co.za
www.tcm.co.za
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