The National Research Foundation (NRF) is delighted to announce that it has maintained a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Level 1 rating. This achievement symbolises the NRF’s commitment to the transformation of the equity profiles of the South African research workforce; the knowledge enterprise; and the relationship between science and society while building a diverse and fully inclusive learning organisation. This achievement also highlights our commitment to the acceleration of transformation through preferential procurement and skills development.

“Through its procurement and supplier development initiatives, the NRF has created meaningful opportunities for designated groups to participate in the organisation’s supply chain, including opportunities to do business with our National Facilities,” says Chief Financial Officer, Mr Bishen Singh. “The NRF remains committed to supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through targeted preferential procurement, enterprise development support, and collaborative partnerships. These interventions provide critical guidance, opportunities, and support to help emerging enterprises overcome barriers to entry and grow sustainably.”

The NRF has continued to provide work opportunities for unemployed youth through the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) programme. This year, the NRF is hosting its fourth (4th) cohort through the programme, and over one-hundred and twenty (120) youths have received work exposure opportunities since inception.

Key directed interventions in achieving this outcome include:

• Collaboration with Disability South Africa;
• Contributing to the YES programme;
• Collaborations with public and private sector (SMME funders);
• Enterprise and supplier development awareness;
•  Targeted preferential procurement expenditure towards SMMEs;
• SCM Transformation awareness session with SMMEs;
• Recruitment of designated groups (more importantly, female employees) in Junior to Senior Management positions in line with the Employment Equity Act; and
• Participation of designated groups in learnerships, apprenticeships and internships in line with the Skills Development Act.