Companies will now be able to test their black economic empowerment (BEE) compliance rating online, and register on a directory for empowered companies.
The m-PowerRatings Web site was established by Internet technology company Technology Concepts, and is first and foremost a directory, says MD Wayne de Nobrega.
The site also provides an opportunity for companies to establish their BEE compliance level, an issue still surrounded by a degree of confusion, he says.
"The test is not industry-specific, and I think that`s the most important part. So many industries want to know what they need to do to be compliant, but it`s only the financial sector that has any sort of clarity at the moment. This test is an ideal vehicle for companies to measure their compliance."
According to m-PowerRatings creator and MD Dijon de Jager, the test is a reliable gauge of compliance, because it is based on parameters set out by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
"At the moment there is no testing standard that is government approved, so there is no way of getting approval for this type of thing. What we have done is ensure that we work within the DTI parameters, so companies can rest assured this test is compliant with what was set out therein."
Compliant companies are able to register their name on the directory, which lets them communicate their status to other organisations. "Companies that have already had a rating done privately can also register their name on the site," adds De Jager.
Companies must pay an annual subscription fee to access the site, with a monthly cost of R100 for maintaining a company scorecard. "This fee allows companies constant updates to their compliance rating, should there be any status changes that occur." There is also an additional advertising fee - starting at R40 - which varies depending on the level of exposure desired.
The site is also introducing an initiative to aid smaller firms to advertise their services to a larger audience. "The micro-enterprise site is really exciting. These are the tiny business - usually just one-man painter or builder businesses - the kind that have those boards posted up on signs around the country.
"By paying an extra R50 a month, companies can sponsor a smaller business on the site, and we will post details of the company, exposing them to a much larger audience than before.
"This is very much a grass-roots initiative."
Companies that choose to sponsor a micro enterprise could also increase their compliance rating, adds De Jager.
Because the site has only been up for less than a month, De Jager says it is still too early to gauge its success. "But I have had a great response wherever I have introduced it."
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