TFM Magazine Issue 25 in distribution

The concept of TFM Magazine was born almost a decade ago with the tagline Transformation | It is more than simply 'Black' and 'White'. Issue by issue, the readership and platform have grown, and today it is a publication that readers rely on as a credible and practical reference source. Over the course of 25 issues, TFM Magazine has produced more than 200 articles authored by over 100 industry thought leaders. 

 Download TFM MAGAZINE ISSUE 25  - password TFM2522

The distribution of TFM Magazine Issue 25 coincides with Women’s month. So, this issue celebrates not only this milestone, but also the unique women of South Africa. Thanks to our Constitution, all South Africans are given equal footing in society with no legislation deterring women's rights. Women can drive a car, wear what they choose, decide to be a homemaker or gain employment, leave that employment, and have access to finance. Although the foundation offers equality, barriers linked to socio-economic circumstances, particularly for women, more so 'Black' women, impede their emancipation. Therefore, in theory, in South Africa, no legislation stops women from gaining an education, buying, selling or inheriting property, marrying or divorcing; it is all done on equal footing.

Globally, however, it is not the same for all women and girls whose rights to be educated, drive a car, wear what they want or vote, to name but a few, are not intrinsic rights. 

There are many vehicles organisations use to meet the Ownership Scorecard requirements; however, critical to an organisation's overall score is that an Ownership transaction must benefit the Beneficiary and not the vehicle driving the process. There are two givens when entering into an Ownership transaction for B-BBEE purposes. Firstly, it must make good business sense. Then it must withstand the scrutiny of a B-BBEE Verification and a B-BBEE Commission investigation, if necessary. On page 10 the piece ‘Ownership Transactions Must Withstand Scrutiny’ unpacks the interpretation of ‘Options and Share Warrants’ in line with the Ownership requirements. 

The annual collection of B-BBEE Certificates and Affidavits is one of the most arduous tasks in preparing for a B-BBEE Verification. It takes resources, patience and consistent follow-up. However, as each valid B-BBEE Credential contributes to the overall scorecard, it is necessary to go through the process to meet procurement targets. ‘B-BBEE Certificate & Affidavit Collection | Don’t Let It Be an Uphill Battle' on page 33 provides tips and realistic expectations in collating B-BBEE evidence for a B-BBEE Verification.

 On page 17, 'What Are the Rules of Engagement’ is the second in a series of articles for those falling within the ambit of the Construction Sector Code. As a comprehensive and complex document, although aligning with the Amended Generic Codes of Good Practice, the Amended Construction Sector Code holds additional requirements to address the identified challenges in the sector. The article in this issue focuses explicitly on Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) with less than 51% ‘Black’ Ownership.

 Page 28 'Interpreting with Integrity | South African Sign Language’ explores the lesser-known profession of a South African Sign Language Interpreter. Interpreters are pivotal in facilitating communication between two parties speaking a different language. Likewise, sign language interpreters serve Deaf people communicating with the typical speaking community.

‘Bursaries | An Investment in Youth’ on page 30 examines the relationship between a Bursary Sponsor – Italtile - and a Bursary Recipient - Mikayla Eagles. Through their Skills Development Strategy, Italtile granted Mikayla a Bursary, which has allowed her to concentrate on her studies through a managed process. In this piece, she accounts for her journey as a Bursary Recipient and her plans moving forward.

 To highlight the journey of women over the past 100 years and to celebrate Women’s month, TFM Magazine Issue 25 was authored exclusively by women. ‘Women …. in Numbers too Large to Ignore’ features intermittently throughout this issue. To commemorate the emancipation of women, TFM Magazine has profiled 18 women from a diverse and unique group. The profiles aim to provide insight into gender equality and equal opportunity from various professions, occupational levels and sectors at different stages of these women's lives. Each of the women showcased received identical questions, with their answers reflecting their circumstances and life journey.

 As women enjoy the month, reflecting on the path other women before them paved, one has to ponder: 1) “Do we have it all?” or 2) “Do we just do it all?” Answer to question one; South African women, thanks to The Constitution and empowered men, are not held back by legislation to achieve anything they choose, which leads straight to the answer to question two. Most women do do it all, as we tend to our family needs and domestic responsibilities, yet hold down challenging careers. But, I for one am grateful to those that paved the way for the choice.