The search for South Africa's most empowered company has begun

The research phase of the survey has commenced and listed companies are invited to participate in this project. Questionnaires are being sent out currently to all JSE-listed companies in South Africa. In a break from last year's method, this year's survey has two distinct parts:

1) A general questionnaire to companies
2) Secondary research conducted by Empowerdex on the listed companies.

Ensure that you do not miss out on this prime opportunity to make your empowerment credentials known. If you are a listed company and have not yet received a questionnaire, contact the Financial Mail to make sure you do by emailing .

The survey is the most credible assessment of listed empowerment companies in South Africa. According to Empowerdex executive director, Chia-Chao Wu, the survey is an invaluable tool. "From our first JSE ranking in 2003, we believed that black economic empowerment (BEE) can be accelerated with objective measurement and benchmarking. This will ensure that the decision makers can access robust information allowing them to recognize achievements and contributions made by top JSE listed companies, as well as an indication of the BEE best practices currently been implemented."

"For most businesses BEE is one of the critical factors of everyday business," comments Itumeleng Mahabane, Editor, Top Empowerment Companies 2004. "BEE is also a competitive factor in winning and retaining new clients. Industry knowledge and best practice is key. Top Empowerment Companies delivers both it." The 2004 launch edition was the biggest selling issue of the FM to date in 2004. The special annual was welcomed by corporates, students and policy-makers alike.

As such the survey represents a not-to-be-missed chance to demonstrate the empowerment credentials and development of SA's top companies.

"Through our partnership with Financial Mail, we hope that the publication will provide an accurate snapshot of BEE contributions by JSE listed companies, and encourage them to further enhance the contributions they are making towards black economic empowerment," says Wu.