Black Economic Empowerment

Powertech IST remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). The comprehensive and inclusive Broad Based BEE (BBBEE) model embodied in the ‘Codes of Good Practice” developed by the South African Government’s Department of Trade and Industry informs our strategy for profitable business growth.

We particularly focus on:

  • Maintaining our 25.1% Black ownership.
  • Appointment and further development of Black females into professional roles.
  • Increasing the number of Black people appointed into executive, senior and junior management roles.
  • Continuing with the Internship programme launched to complement a previous Learnership programme.
  • Further development of our preferential procurement practices.
  • Continual development of Black enterprises, Black-empowered enterprises and Blackengendered enterprises.

Employment Equity

Powertech IST promotes a work environment of synergy that is realised through the diversity of its employees. Employment Equity is given distinction as a business priority essential for sustainability and competitive growth.Management practises targeted attraction, recruitment, remuneration and retention of candidates from the designated groups.

Coupling existing talent with training programmes, and an environment that promotes the dignity and diversity of  employees ensures that Powertech IST maintains the highest professional standards throughout the transformation process.

Our policies and procedures reflect the commitment to the overarching goal to have the company’s employee profile reflect the demographic profile of the economically active population in its main industries. Through the above initiatives, Powertech IST has succeeded in ensuring that 53% of employees are from designated groups. Approximately 32% of all employees are women, and 2% are from the disabled community.

Skills Development

Powertech IST operates in market sectors that require professionals with a high level of skills and experience. We realise that in order to continue to be a leader in our field, we have to facilitate the creation, and ensure retention, of skills in the niche sectors in which we operate. Our vision for skills development keeps in focus the overall benefits that a skilled workforce confers on the overall economy. Management believes that the optimal combination of staff’s experience and expertise, innovation and market-leading technology makes Powertech IST the successful business that it is. Employment by Powertech IST holds out the prospect of career development, personal fulfillment, wellness and living a winning culture, amongst other things. Our emphasis on skills development as a business imperative ensures that the following programmes are implemented:

  • Mentorship.
  • Study loan scheme that allows employees to further their studies at recognised institutions.
  • Human capital development scheme encompassing the Schools Outreach programme, the Powertech IST University Bursary programme, and the internship programme.

Socio-economic Development

Powertech IST regards its Socio-Economic Development (SED) initiatives as building blocks for the competitive wellbeing of not only its business but of the economy as a whole. We hold the view that for our contribution to be relevant, the SED initiatives must be driven by our long term business strategy, and must enhance our corporate reputation. The country-wide shortage of engineering skills has been instrumental to the launch and development of Powertech IST’s Schools Outreach programme, the Powertech IST University Bursary programme and the Internship programme. We give affordable support to local schools in need of learning and other classroom materials, computer equipment and tuition fees. In addition, Powertech IST has an in-house Occupational Health clinic staffed by a registered Occupational Health Sister. Basic medical care, advice and basic medication are dispensed free of charge to all employees and their dependants.