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Welcome to today’s Newsletter, where we delve into the essential topic of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) audits. Whether you're a seasoned business leader or new to the compliance landscape, understanding the yearly BEE audit process is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge and contributing to South Africa's economic transformation . Why the BEE Audit Matters The BEE audit is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a validation of your company’s commitment to transformation and inclusivity. It assesses your compliance with the BEE scorecard, which includes elements like ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic contributions. A successful audit not only enhances your BEE status but also opens doors to government tenders and partnerships with BEE-aligned businesses. Preparing for the Yearly BEE Audit Preparation is the cornerstone of a smooth and successful audit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready: Understand Your Business Classification: Determine whether your company is an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME), Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE), or Generic Enterprise based on your annual turnover. This classification dictates the scorecard elements you need to address. Organise Documentation: Create a centralised system for managing records such as ownership documents, financial statements, skills development records, procurement evidence, and socio-economic development contributions. Accurate and accessible documentation is critical for verification. Engage a BEE Consultant: A professional consultant can help interpret complex regulations, identify gaps in compliance, and provide tailored strategies for improvement. They can also guide you through the verification process. Conduct a Pre-Audit: Perform an internal review to calculate your BEE score and address any discrepancies before the official audit. This proactive approach minimizes surprises during verification. Stay Updated on Legislation: Regularly review changes to BEE codes and assess their impact on your scorecard. Compliance is a moving target, and staying informed ensures you’re always aligned with the latest requirements. Train Your Team: Educate your staff on the importance of BEE compliance and their role in achieving audit success. A well-informed team is an invaluable asset during the preparation process. The Benefits of Proper Preparation Investing time and resources into audit preparation yields significant benefits. It ensures accurate representation of your transformation efforts, strengthens your reputation as a compliant and socially responsible business, and enhances your ability to compete in the market. Moreover, it fosters trust and transparency with stakeholders, paving the way for long-term partnerships and growth. In conclusion, the BEE audit is not just a compliance exercise; it’s an opportunity to showcase your commitment to South Africa’s economic transformation. By preparing diligently and embracing the process, you can turn the audit into a strategic advantage for your business. Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn—share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about BEE audits. Together, we can navigate the path to empowerment and success. Discover the savings and growth potential for your business today, get your FREE B-BBEE Scorecard Assessment today! ! For your BEE needs, feel free to reach out to Richard at richard@globalbusiness.co.za ,  or Cindie at cindie@globalbusiness.co.za  at Global Business Solutions. Join us at our Mid-Year Labour Law Update, where we'll unpack over 40 cases, following themes that are emerging in case law and statutory amendments, and which can not be ignored (Digital Transformation and Employment Law; Recent Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and Constitutional cases; NEDLAC Proposed amendments on the LRA, BCEA, EE, and NMW Acts; Risk Management and Compliance) Innovation in LR Practices . This year's theme is Labour Law Evolution: The New Face of Labour Relations & Case Law in Disrupted Businesses. What you'll gain: Master the Digital Transformation of Labour Law in 2025 200+ Labour Law Cases Unpacked by Jonathan Goldberg Critical Updates on Upcoming Legislation & NEDLAC Amendments Navigate Workplace Challenges from the Digital Era to Discrimination Laws Register now:   https://www.globalbusiness.co.za/gbs-event-details/mid-year-labour-law-update-myllu25

"Picture this: you're sitting in front of an auditor, and they ask for a document you’ve never even heard of. The room goes silent, the sweat starts to bead, and your BEE score hangs in the balance. Sounds like your worst nightmare? Well, don’t panic—today, we’re diving into the ultimate guide to BEE audit documentation, so you’ll never face that scenario. Let’s turn this dreaded task into a breeze!"   Preparing for Your BEE Audit – The Documentation You Need   Welcome to today’s newsletter, where we’re diving into an essential topic for South African businesses: the documentation needed for a successful Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) audit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry—I’ll break it down step by step to help you prepare like a pro. The BEE audit is a critical milestone in a company’s journey toward compliance and empowerment. Having the right documentation is the foundation of a smooth audit process. Without it, you risk delays, miscalculations, or worse—being non-compliant. Let’s explore what’s required. 1. Ownership Documentation First, ownership. This is one of the key elements of the BEE scorecard. To verify ownership compliance, you’ll need: Share certificates. Identity documents of shareholders. A shareholders' agreement. Details of any black ownership structures, such as trusts or employee share schemes. Ensure these documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid discrepancies. 2. Management Control Records Next, management control. This part focuses on the representation of black individuals in decision-making roles. The required documents include: Your company’s organogram. Employment equity reports. Payroll records showing senior management roles and demographics. Remember, these documents should reflect your most recent reporting period. 3. Skills Development Evidence Skills development is another crucial pillar. Auditors will want to see proof that you’ve invested in training initiatives for black employees. Gather: Skills development plans; Proof of SETA-accredited training programmes; Training invoices and attendance registers; Bursary agreements and proof of payments, if applicable. 4. Procurement Documentation Procurement is all about supporting black-owned businesses. To showcase compliance in this area, compile: A list of your suppliers and their BEE certificates; Procurement policy documents; Proof of payments to black-owned suppliers; Any contracts or agreements with suppliers that demonstrate your commitment. 5. Enterprise and Supplier Development For this element, prepare: Signed agreements with beneficiaries; Proof of financial contributions to small black-owned enterprises; Reports on the impact of your development initiatives. 6. Socio-Economic Development Contributions Finally, socio-economic development. This shows your company’s efforts to uplift communities. Include: Proof of donations or contributions to qualifying initiatives; Signed acknowledgment letters from beneficiaries; Bank statements or payment confirmations. 7. General Documentation In addition to these specific areas, don’t forget: Your company’s financial statements; Registration documents, like your CIPC certificate; Tax compliance certificates. By organising and maintaining these documents throughout the year, you’ll not only simplify the audit process but also enhance your company’s credibility and commitment to transformation. A well-prepared audit is a reflection of your dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable South Africa. Thanks for tuning in to this episode. If you found this helpful, share it with your colleagues or leave a comment to join the discussion. Let’s keep building a brighter, more empowered future together! Discover the savings and growth potential for your business today, get your FREE B-BBEE Scorecard Assessment today! ! For your BEE needs, feel free to reach out to Richard at richard@globalbusiness.co.za ,  or Cindie at cindie@globalbusiness.co.za  at Global Business Solutions. Join us at our Mid-Year Labour Law Update, where we'll unpack over 40 cases, following themes that are emerging in case law and statutory amendments, and which can not be ignored (Digital Transformation and Employment Law; Recent Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and Constitutional cases; NEDLAC Proposed amendments on the LRA, BCEA, EE, and NMW Acts; Risk Management and Compliance) Innovation in LR Practices . This year's theme is Labour Law Evolution: The New Face of Labour Relations & Case Law in Disrupted Businesses. What you'll gain: Master the Digital Transformation of Labour Law in 2025 200+ Labour Law Cases Unpacked by Jonathan Goldberg Critical Updates on Upcoming Legislation & NEDLAC Amendments Navigate Workplace Challenges from the Digital Era to Discrimination Laws Register now:   https://www.globalbusiness.co.za/gbs-event-details/mid-year-labour-law-update-myllu25?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Newlsletter&utm_campaign=MYLLU2025-Website-Newsletter&utm_id=MYLLU2025-Webinar-Website

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, the focus is often on efficiency, profitability, and technological advancement. Yet, at the heart of every business are people. At Circle & Square, we fundamentally believe that when organisations recognise the human element — when they prioritise emotional intelligence, connection, and wellbeing — they unlock the true potential of their people and, in turn, drive sustainable business success. Humanising organisations is more than a leadership trend; it’s a strategic advantage rooted in fostering meaningful relationships, adult-to-adult communication, and cultivating a workplace culture where employees are empowered to show up as their best selves. This article explores why humanising organisations matters and how leaders can embed this approach to deliver lasting business results. Enhancing Employee Engagement and Productivity Employees who feel seen, heard, and valued are more engaged and productive. A human-centred approach creates conditions where employees are motivated to take ownership and responsibility. By fostering a culture of emotional intelligence (EQ), open communication, and personal mastery, organisations empower employees to lead themselves and others to an Adult space—where collaboration, debate, and courageous conversations thrive. Building a Positive, Empowering Workplace Culture A people-first culture is one where trust, psychological safety, and respect live at the centre of daily interactions. At Circle & Square, we believe that when employees experience adult-to-adult relationships — grounded in empathy, accountability, and healthy communication — they feel empowered to contribute meaningfully. This reduces attrition, encourages innovation, and creates a culture where healthy debate and collective problem-solving flourish. Strengthening Customer and Stakeholder Relationships Customers and stakeholders today value authentic human interactions over transactional ones. Humanising an organisation means leading with integrity and empathy, both internally and externally. When employees experience human connection inside the business, it naturally extends to customers. Relationships, after all, are the currency of business success — and a humanised culture fosters brand loyalty, trust, and long-term partnerships. Driving Innovation and Organisational Resilience Innovation thrives in environments where employees feel psychologically safe to express diverse views and challenge the status quo. A humanised organisation creates the conditions for healthy debate, inclusive decision-making, and adult conversations where conflict is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is this ability to respond — rather than react — that enables businesses to adapt, evolve, and remain resilient in the face of disruption. Supporting Employee Well-Being and Psychological Safety At Circle & Square, we believe that wellbeing is not only about work-life balance. True wellbeing is the ability to make sense of one’s current reality and to respond in healthy, empowered, adult ways that serve both personal wellbeing and business outcomes. Humanising an organisation requires leaders to prioritise mental health, build supportive environments, and role-model emotionally intelligent leadership that supports people to thrive. Boosting Reputation and Social Impact Organisations that prioritise human connection and ethical leadership attract top talent and earn the loyalty of their customers. Humanising your business is not only the right thing to do — it makes business sense. By embedding social responsibility, equity, and human-centred practices into the heart of your strategy, your organisation becomes a place where people want to work and customers want to do business. How to Humanise Your Organisation Create Open, Courageous Communication Foster a culture where employees feel safe to share their thoughts, feedback, and concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. Prioritise Real Wellbeing Go beyond work-life balance — support employees to make sense of their reality, build resilience, and develop emotional agility. Recognise and Empower People Celebrate employee contributions through meaningful recognition, fair reward, and by creating space for ownership and autonomy. Foster Inclusivity and Diversity Encourage diversity of thought, background, and experience — creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued. Lead from the Adult Space Develop leaders who can lead themselves first, and others second — responding with empathy, accountability, and courage. Enable Growth and Personal Mastery Provide ongoing opportunities for learning, reflection, and self-awareness so employees can take responsibility for their own development. Build Meaningful Customer Relationships Focus on authentic, human connection with customers — prioritising trust, empathy, and ethical business practices. Demonstrate Social Responsibility Lead with purpose. Commit to sustainability, ethical leadership, and contributing positively to society. Conclusion Humanising organisations is not a ‘soft’ strategy — it is the foundation for long-term business performance. When businesses create spaces of trust, empathy, and connection, they enable employees to lead from an adult place, collaborate meaningfully, and contribute with purpose. At Circle & Square, we’ve been enabling organisations to humanise their workplaces since 2002. Our leader-led approach builds the relational capabilities and emotional intelligence required for people and businesses to thrive. We believe that when leaders and teams prioritise connection and wellbeing, they unlock resilience, innovation, and sustainable success. Reach out to our amazing partners at Circle & Square. Cindy,   cindy@circleandsqaure.co.za ,  or Michal,   michal@circleandsqaure.co.za  to re-engage your workforce:   https://www.circleandsquare.co.za/ Join us at our Mid-Year Labour Law Update as we unpack landmark cases highlighting how mental health and wellbeing are increasingly becoming intertwined with labour legislation. This year's theme is Labour Law Evolution: The New Face of Labour Relations & Case Law in Disrupted Businesses. What you'll gain: Master the Digital Transformation of Labour Law in 2025 200+ Labour Law Cases Unpacked by Jonathan Goldberg Critical Updates on Upcoming Legislation & NEDLAC Amendments Navigate Workplace Challenges from the Digital Era to Discrimination Laws Register now:   https://www.globalbusiness.co.za/gbs-event-details/mid-year-labour-law-update-myllu25

Disciplinary Enquiry, Initiator and Chairperson Training Thursday, 10 July 2025 | Virtual R997.50 (excl. VAT) Address ill-discipline head-on with this practical training. Learn to navigate dismissal provisions under the LRA, ensure procedural and substantive fairness, and handle cases like AWOL or theft effectively. Equip your team with the skills to conduct investigations, present evidence, and chair enquiries confidently. 📅 Register now to restore discipline and focus in your organisation! Great news, registrations are OPEN! Register Now Time & Location 10 July 2025, Thursday, 09:00 - 12:00 Virtual About The Event The root of most ill-discipline in organisations is because line managers avoid taking action! Either because they’re uncertain or because no one else is doing it. And when people “get away with things” ill-discipline becomes the norm. Time to get your house in order so everyone can focus on getting the job done. Dismissal provisions under the LRA Distinguishing between dismissal for misconduct, incapacity and operational requirements Conducting an investigation into misconduct Procedural fairness Substantive fairness Types of evidence Burden of proof Balance of probabilities Rules of natural justice Chairing and initiating checklist Roles of the parties Documentary requirements Dealing with specific matters – AWOL, theft, unauthorised possession, etc. Exercises and case studies For manual registration please fill out and download the manual registration form, and email it to info@globalbusiness.co.za to register for the event. Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. *All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers. GBS is: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned Download Brochure Manual Registration Form More about the presenter: Justine Weddel Attorney for Kirchmanns Inc. and Consultant for Global Business Solutions Justine is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa specialising in labour law. Justine has gained valuable knowledge and experience in employment law by representing and servicing clients both as a Consultant and an Attorney. Register Now Be the first to know about upcoming event—keep in touch on our socials:

Systems Thinking in the Modern Workplace Thursday, 15 May 2025 | Virtual R1 500.00 (excl. VAT) Unlock the power of Systems Thinking to navigate workplace complexity, enhance labour relations, and improve decision-making. This dynamic workshop equips professionals with practical tools to foster collaboration, resolve disputes, and build a strategic, systems-oriented culture . 📅 Register now to develop smarter problem-solving skills and drive organisational success! Great news, registrations are OPEN! Register Now Time & Location 15 May 2025, Thursday, 09:00 - 14:00 Virtual About The Event This dynamic workshop is designed to introduce professionals to the transformative power of Systems Thinking. Participants will explore the foundational principles and concepts of Systems Thinking and learn how to apply these techniques to understand and navigate complex workplace systems. From enhancing labour relations to integrating Systems Thinking into leadership and decision-making, this workshop provides practical tools and real-world examples to foster a systems-oriented mindset. Join us to develop strategic thinking skills and create a more collaborative and effective organisational culture. 1. Introduction to Systems Thinking Overview of Systems Thinking principles and concepts History and evolution of Systems Thinking Key elements: feedback loops, interrelationships, and dynamic complexity 2. Applying Systems Thinking in the Workplace and understanding complex systems in the workplace Tools and techniques for Systems Thinking (e.g., causal loop diagrams, stock and flow diagrams) Case studies and practical examples 3. Systems Thinking in Labour Relations Understanding labour relations through a systems lens Addressing conflict and improving communication between labour and management Techniques for fostering collaboration and resolving disputes Case study 4. Integrating Systems Thinking into Leadership and Decision-Making Enhancing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills Building a systems-oriented organisational culture Case study and practical examples Resources for further learning For manual registration please fill out and download the manual registration form, and email it to info@globalbusiness.co.za to register for the event. Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. *All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers. GBS is: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned Download Brochure Manual Registration Form More about the presenter: Grant Wilkinson Director of Kirchmanns Inc., Senior Consultant at Global Business Solutions and SASLAW WC Committee Member Grant is an admitted attorney with a wide range of experience in both consulting and training. Grant’s focus areas are: Labour Law, industrial relations, legislative development, commercial law, consumer protection, corporate governance, and human resources. Register Now Be the first to know about upcoming event—keep in touch on our socials:

Harassment in the Workplace: Live in KZN Tuesday, 27 May 2025 | Live in KZN R1 995.00 (excl. VAT) With EE compliance now tied to harassment outcomes , organisations must take proactive steps to build inclusive, safe workplaces. Join Natalie Singer for an interactive, in-person workshop that explores legal obligations, DEIB strategy, and real-world tools for addressing harassment. 📅 Register now to strengthen your policies, protect your business, and create a workplace where everyone belongs. Great news, registrations are OPEN! Register Now Time & Location 27 May 2025, Tuesday, 09:00 - 16:00 Live at Westville Country Club, Westville, KZN About The Event Context always matters, especially in situations that are #personal and often #sensitive. With #EE certificates of compliance dependent on having no unfair discrimination findings, it's critical that employers develop and enhance their Workplace Harassment frameworks. These should not only include policies and procedures, but also a clearly defined strategy for employee education and empowerment. Creating an enabling environment that promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) should be a focus for all businesses that want to enjoy the multitude of benefits shown in companies that have diverse teams. Join Natalie Singer for an interactive and practical workshop designed to empower HR professionals and business leaders to ensure compliance and leverage DEIB. The session will cover: Definition of Harassment Hierarchy of Labour Law regulation, harassment, and discrimination Link to EEA, LRA and Protection Disclosure Act Employers’ responsibility in terms of section 60 obligation of ER’s responsibility to develop a policy Awareness of Harassment, Bullying and Violence in the workplace and how it impacts equality Employer’s obligations regarding Harassment Policies and Practices that are inclusive and fair. Employers’ response to harassment complaints Review of employment environment and facilities to be inclusive of gender re-assignment. Questions to ask when investigating harassment How to initiate a grievance relation to harassment The session incorporates the latest legal precedent (case law), videos and discussions to enable collaboration and workplace application. Delegates will leave armed, not only with information, but with tools and strategies to implement within their workplaces. Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. *All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers. GBS is: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned Download Brochure Manual Registration Form More about the presenter: Natalie Singer Foreign National Expert, HR & LR, Trainer, and Senior Global Business Solutions Consultant Responsible for enabling people-centric competitive advantage through future-fit Workforce structures, Communication & HR interventions. • Project design, delivery, and management of various client interventions including job evaluation, employee engagement, organisational change, workforce communication, and others • Lead consultant for Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value service offerings • Facilitation and Training (broad range of technical and soft skills topics) • Learning material development, full HR spectrum & soft skills • Employment Equity Consulting • HR consulting including chairing disciplinary enquiries, developing policies & procedures, etc. • Sales and Marketing and development of KZN region • Regional management – KZN region Register Now Be the first to know about upcoming event—keep in touch on our socials: