RS South Africa, a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, has announced its recent achievement of Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) certification, underscoring its unwavering commitment to transformation.

This milestone, attained at the end of September, is not merely a badge of honour for the company, it signifies a holistic approach to inculcating transformation within the company and the broader industry.

Lebohang Kungoane, B-BBEE Compliance Specialist at RS, explains the importance of the certification in relation to the company’s overarching goals. “We are currently at Level 2 and aim to maintain that status. Our Level 2 certification, achieved in 2023, has become our benchmark, and we will work hard to maintain this level.”

This achievement is not an isolated effort but part of an ongoing journey that requires constant planning and implementation. Kungoane highlights the rigorous annual processes involved in maintaining the company’s B-BBEE rating. Her responsibilities encompass everything from strategic planning to sourcing beneficiaries, implementing enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development initiatives and ensuring compliance.

RS’s B-BBEE initiatives are deeply integrated into the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) objectives. “We aim to be a preferred supplier for our customers while contributing to transformation and economic participation in our country. Our mantra drives us to build the company we aspire to be,” she says.

RS does not view B-BBEE compliance as a mere tick box exercise but prioritises genuine engagement and meaningful participation. “We pride ourselves on implementing the true intentions of the B-BBEE codes,” affirms Lebohang. “It is about achieving a good scorecard while positively impacting the communities we impact.”

This commitment to community engagement is evident in the company’s partnership with the Inqolobane Investment Trust and Qhubeka Charity, which has facilitated bicycle donations to children in rural areas. The initiative not only provides transportation to school but also aligns with RS’s mission of creating sustainable opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Lebohang also highlights the company’s focus on skills development and education through its bursary programmes. “We fund students in engineering fields at universities like the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal,” she explains. RS goes beyond just funding tuition, as the company conducts needs analyses to provide additional support, such as accommodation and travel allowances. It also offers internal bursaries for employees seeking further education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped for success.

The importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is another critical aspect of RS’s strategy. “We engage with communities at various universities and hope to extend engagement at high schools, to guide students in selecting relevant subjects that will benefit their future career prospects,” says Lebohang. This outreach aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, addressing the prevalent issue of unemployment in South Africa.

“Our Level 2 B-BBEE certification is a testament to our dedication to transformation and social responsibility. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement and a focus on education, we not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also make a significant contribution to sustainable growth and social impact in the communities we serve,” concludes Lebohang.