Environmental, social and sustainability consultancy Digby Wells Environmental, which focuses on the resources, infrastructure, energy and agricultural sectors, has announced that its two internal broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) trusts have repaid the shareholder loans that they had been granted to buy shares in the company, and had done so “well ahead” of schedule. The two trusts were the Ukwabelana Trust and the Digby Wells Education Trust.

Founded in 2018 as part of the consultancy’s BBBEE strategy, the two trusts were granted loans by the existing shareholders so that their acquisition of shares would not impose financial burdens on the individual beneficiaries. The Ukwabelana Trust is a permanent employee share ownership trust, while the Digby Wells Education Trust serves to provide bursaries for environmental and social sciences students.

“Our employees are no longer just contributors – they are genuine co-owners of the business they’ve helped to build,” highlighted Digby Wells South Africa country manager Mashudu Rafundisani. “This is what true empowerment looks like: when the value created by our people flows back to them, opening doors to greater financial freedom and a more equitable future.”

The accelerated settlement of the loans is the result of the company’s growth and profitability. Ukwabelana Trust beneficiaries woill now receive 100% of their profit allocations. These allocations are calculated by means of a predetermined formula based on performance, tenure and seniority. And future dividends from the company will now go directly to staff and students.

“This milestone is a celebration of what can be achieved when empowerment is done with purpose,” affirmed Digby Wells Environmental CEO Graham Trusler. “It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about building lasting value for our people. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished, and even more excited for what lies ahead.”

The faster repayment of the loans has given more support to the company’s Level 1 BBBEE certification and 135% procurement recognition. It further strengthened its wider localisation and inclusion initiatives in, and beyond, Africa.