MAC chairperson Nkwenkwe Nkomo hands over the MAC Transformation Charter to the Minister in the Presidency, Dr Essop Pahad

MAC Chairperson Nkwenkwe Nkomo says MAC has been engaging in BEE processes since 2000 and the industry is a forerunner among South African industries in the promulgation of charters.

“Our charter goes beyond the Codes of Good Practice laid out by the dti [Department of Trade and Industry]. To further this industry and finding that the pace of transformation was unacceptably slow, we realised the need to accelerate the process of transforming the industry.”

Major focus

Skills and training has become a major focus of the industry, together with ownership and enterprise development.

“Essentially transformation is needed for long-term growth and the upliftment of people who have been historically disadvantaged. Companies who do not comply will feel the effects through the market as BEE criteria are used in procuring services.”

Nkomo stresses small companies which feel they don't need to comply or take heed of the dti scorecard will need to reassess their transformation processes.

The Transformation Charter is a culmination of a process that was started in 2001, when Parliament initiated hearings on the state of the advertising industry. The industry committed to implementing a mutually agreeable process of transformation, which has been steadily unfolding.

Nkomo reiterates that the BEE journey has produced results. “This has been a consultative process that would not have been possible without the input of the broader industry and government. We are proud to have reached a mutually agreeable scorecard that will promote real change in our industry.”

PRISA support

"Transformation is the implementation of fundamental changes to the way we do things to become and remain successful organisations," commented Mixael de Kock, the national president and chairman of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), speaking at the handing over last week.

De Kock signed the MAC Charter on behalf of the members of PRISA and the Public Relations Consultants Chapter (PRCC), saying that: "PRISA is committed to a process of transformation that will accelerate opportunities for diversity and growth and will make its membership representative of the South African population at all levels. The availability of a wide variety of talent, competencies and cultural backgrounds among members of the Institute and its Public Relations Consultants' Chapter will enhance performance and stature."

[3 Oct 2007 09:47]

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