Empowerment
Ozalid is wholly-owned by Bidvest Paperplus (BPP) and therefore shares in BPP's empowerment initiatives.
In terms of the DTI's Code of Good Practice, Bidvest Paperplus is classified as a large enterprise. Therefore, when establishing its BEE rating, it is evaluated on all the broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) elements (Ownership, Control, Employment Equity, Skills Development, Preferential Procurement, Enterprise Development and Socio-economic Development).
Bidvest Paperplus currently holds a Level Three Contributor rating, and is proud to have attained an A rating for BEE Ownership, Operational Capacity, Enterprise Development and Socio Economic Development. Furthermore, it is accredited as a Value-Adding Enterprise, which is crucial for those companies that procure goods and services from a VAE, as it enables them to manage and improve their own BEE scorecard. For example, our Level Three rating qualifies customers to claim 110% of their procurement spend for their own scorecard and customers are entitled to claim 125% of the 110% – essentially, a full 137.5% of their spend with us can be claimed.
Bidvest Paperplus is committed to sustaining and improving its BEE rating, and will achieve this through the following programmes:
Preferential Procurement
Our unique supplier registration and verification system has facilitated the placing of 57.5% of our total procurement with verified BEE companies, so recording 13.64 out of a possible 20 points for our scorecard. The system will further assist the company in directing other areas of expenditure to suppliers who could benefit more from BEE.
Female Representation
The Female Management component of our Employment Equity profile will be further increased through our selection and development programmes.
Skills Development
Bidvest Paperplus has implemented a detailed Skills Development programme for its staff, including Adult Basic Education Training (ABET), which benefitted 250 learners in 2009, with a similar number scheduled for 2010.