In the landscape of South African business, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a pivotal policy aimed at redressing economic inequalities and empowering black individuals. The B-BBEE scorecard is a tool used to measure a company’s level of compliance with these empowerment policies, and Preferential Procurement is a significant component of this scorecard.

Preferential Procurement refers to the practice of favoring B-BBEE-compliant companies in the procurement of goods and services. It is a sub-element of the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) component of the B-BBEE scorecard, which is itself one of the five key elements that determine a company’s B-BBEE rating.

The Preferential Procurement element is crucial because it carries a substantial weight in the overall scoring. Companies can enhance their B-BBEE score by sourcing a higher percentage of goods and services from suppliers with strong B-BBEE credentials. This not only boosts the company’s score but also promotes the growth of black-owned businesses, fostering a more inclusive economy.

To maximize the benefits of Preferential Procurement, companies must strategically align their procurement practices with B-BBEE objectives. This involves careful selection of suppliers and a thorough understanding of the B-BBEE scorecard. By doing so, businesses not only comply with national transformation policies but also contribute to the broader social and economic development goals of the country.

The Preferential Procurement element is a powerful tool for businesses to improve their B-BBEE score while actively participating in the economic transformation of South Africa. It encourages the support of black-owned enterprises, which can lead to a more equitable and thriving business environment for all.

For a deeper understanding of how Preferential Procurement can impact your B-BBEE score, consider exploring the detailed guidelines provided by the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice and engaging with experts who can offer tailored advice for your business strategy.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has recently made headlines with its plan to purchase a building in central Pretoria for up to R70-million. This move has sparked a debate due to the department’s unclear intentions for the building’s use.

The building in question, a former Protea Hotel, boasts 106 guest rooms, a reception area, dining room, offices, a boardroom, and a large kitchen, along with a swimming pool and parking for 49 cars. After the hotel ceased operations, it was leased to the Department of Public Works for the SANDF.

Initially, the GDSD had allocated funds for the acquisition of a new building to be repurposed into a shelter for the homeless, as part of the November 2023 medium-term budget. However, a leaked document suggests that the department began considering potential buildings before finalizing their intended use.

The department’s acting social work manager for partnership and finance, Portia Nemathithi, reported that the building’s location on a busy road and proximity to a tavern could pose risks to victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Moreover, the building’s closeness to two existing shelters and the need for GBV shelters in other areas were also highlighted. Nemathithi recommended that the building be earmarked for a different program that could benefit from it, other than the Victim Empowerment Programme.

The GDSD also explored the possibility of using the building as a drug rehab facility, but this idea was rejected. The spokesperson for the department, Themba Gadebe, later stated that the intention is now to purchase a building as a shelter for the homeless, aligning with the provincial priority on homelessness.

This situation has raised concerns about the department’s decision-making process and the transparency of its plans. The GDSD’s consideration of the building’s purchase without a clear purpose reflects broader issues within the department, which has faced criticism for mismanagement and inefficiency, impacting vulnerable groups that rely on its services.

The debate continues as the public and stakeholders await further clarification on the GDSD’s plans for the multimillion-rand building. The decision to purchase such a property should be made with careful consideration of its potential impact on the community and the department’s ability to fulfill its social development mandate effectively.

Double D Property Consultants, a boutique real estate agency, has achieved a remarkable milestone by hitting R500 million in sales, a significant achievement for a company that launched just 16 months ago. This Cape Town-based agency, founded by Denise Dogon, has made a name for itself by focusing on high-end luxury properties in the Atlantic Seaboard, Southern Suburbs, and the Winelands region.

Denise Dogon, a seasoned professional with over 50 years in the real estate industry, has brought her passion for property and people to the forefront of Double D Property Consultants. Her approach to real estate is personal and concierge-style, offering buyers and sellers a unique and tailored experience. This strategy has proven successful, with the company achieving sales of more than R230 million in the first three months of this year alone.

The success of Double D Property Consultants can be attributed to a combination of factors. The team’s commitment to integrity, quality, and service stands out in the competitive real estate market. Their personalized approach to property transactions, understanding of client stress, and world-class service and training have set them apart. Moreover, the collective efforts of a talented team of agents and support staff, who share a culture of hard work, honesty, and consistency, have been instrumental in reaching this sales milestone.

Denise Dogon’s entrepreneurial spirit and extensive network of contacts have also played a crucial role in the company’s success. Her previous venture, DG Properties, laid the groundwork for innovation in South Africa’s property sector, and with Double D Property Consultants, she continues to redefine the industry.

The ethos of Double D Property Consultants is centered around taking care of every aspect of the property purchasing process, ensuring a stress-free experience for clients. The company’s achievements are a testament to the power of a dedicated team and a leader with a clear vision and unwavering passion for real estate.

For more information on Double D Property Consultants and their offerings, you can visit their official website.