Impact SA

ESD initiatives

Three-percent levy won’t fix transformation — real ESD does

South Africa’s proposed “3-for-3” scheme, which would allow unlisted companies to pay three percent of their gross revenue in exchange for automatic Level-3 BEE status, may seem straightforward. But it’s a shortcut that risks undoing years of hard work toward genuine enterprise and supplier development (ESD). By Business Tech Paying a fixed share of gross […]

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Corporate SA Pours R20bn into ESD—But Almost Half the Targets Still Aren’t Met

South African corporates channel about R20 billion a year into Enterprise and Supplier Development, yet nearly 40% of ESD targets are not being met. Unconventional CA’s co-founder, Jameel Khan, says too many programmes are treated as a tick-box to boost B-BBEE scores rather than a lever for real SMME growth, with unemployment still at 33%

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Twenty businesses supported through East London retail park

Growthpoint reports that 20 small businesses have benefitted from its East London retail park development through enterprise and supplier development initiatives. These enterprises were offered support across setup, training, promotion and integration into retail supply chains. By Schalk Burger – Engineering News By weaving local suppliers into its retail ecosystem, Growthpoint is demonstrating how property

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Ninety One secures approval for Sanlam investment deal

Asset manager Ninety One has received conditional approval for its planned investment in Sanlam’s South African operations. The deal, subject to regulatory requirements, is positioned to strengthen capital flows into local markets while supporting broader economic development. By EcoFin Agency A key aspect of the agreement is the potential to drive enterprise and supplier development

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Supplier development lessons from Apple’s China strategy

Apple’s rise in China offers stark lessons about enterprise and supplier development. By investing billions into infrastructure, logistics and supplier ecosystems, the company did not just outsource production — it embedded itself deeply into China’s industrial framework. Apple supported entire supply chains, from railways and power systems to tooling and training, ensuring that its suppliers

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Small suppliers lift off — but risks remain

Pick n Pay’s enterprise and supplier development push is opening doors for emerging brands, giving small producers shelf space, mentorship and a route into national retail. The promise is scale, credibility and a clearer pathway from kitchen-table startup to stable business. By Jamie Bennjamin – Daily Maverick The gains come with real pressures. New entrants

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Sappi deepens stewardship of indigenous forests

Sappi is marking Arbor Month by highlighting work that runs year-round to protect and restore indigenous forests on its land. About 7% of Sappi’s holdings comprise biodiverse forest patches that support wildlife and rare plants. In 2024 the company partnered with The Biodiversity Company to assess these areas—including 28 patches within 156 Important Conservation Areas—and

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ESD dialogue in Graaff-Reinet builds supplier partnerships

SEDFA’s Enterprise & Supplier Development Dialogue in Graaff-Reinet brought MSMEs, corporate partners and local government together to grow supplier capacity and unlock deals. Hosted at the Botanical Gardens, the session focused on practical collaboration to move small firms into corporate value chains. By Mfanekiso Ngqondeni – Pondoland Times What happened What’s next

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Female farmers supply beans for KOO baked beans

Galp Moçambique, in partnership with AIESEC, has launched Vocational Light, a four‑week vocational guidance programme at two high schools in Maputo, offering students aged 14 to 20 practical exposure to different professions and support in planning their future careers. By Doreen Molefe – Daily Sun This Women’s Month, six female farmers from North West and

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Sappi sale safeguards jobs and supports local enterprise

Sappi Southern Africa’s sale of the Lomati Sawmill to Normandien Farms is more than a business transaction—it’s an example of how responsible corporate action can protect jobs, sustain local economies, and open new opportunities for enterprise and skills development. The Competition Commission’s unconditional approval clears the way for the handover on 1 September 2025. All

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