Dickinson Furnace Services, a South African operating subsidiary of Dickinson Group of Companies (DGC) has attained a level four (4) Contributor rating for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and remains fully compliant with the Mining Charter III of 2018. This is the outcome of the latest annual compliance audit in accordance with South Africa’s B-BBEE Act No. 53 of 2003 and the Construction Code of Good Practice Gazette No.36928 of 2013.
The company fully embraces B-BBEE notions and subscribes to the sectorial Construction Code of Good Practice, which seeks to address broad-based transformation, enhance capacity and increase productivity within the sector. Dickinson Furnace Services’ ownership structure includes a majority shareholding from members of previously disadvantaged categories. The company endeavours to further increase its level of compliance by continuing to intensify its efforts towards various ongoing initiatives that are already in place. The rest of this article outlines some of the company’s initiatives towards this goal.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Provision of technical learnership programs that are aimed at equipping previously disadvantaged individuals with technical skills.
Ongoing staff mentorship programs within the different parts of the organisation, all of which are aimed at developing beneficiaries to higher positions and roles in the organisation.
Facilitating the training of employees and their ultimate registration with relevant professional bodies.
Crucial modern-day working skills training e.g. computer skills for general workers.
Offering bursaries to beneficiaries within the company and the local communities.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Dickinson Furnace Services is an active member of its surrounding communities. The company assists local orphanages and homes for the disabled, including Sukasambe Children’s Home and Ikwezilokusa Home. The assistance is in the form of clothing and food supplies to alleviate some of the challenges they face.
ENTERPRISE & SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT
Dickinson Furnace Services’ procurement strategy sees preferential procurement from B-BBEE compliant suppliers. The company also runs supplier development programmes that focus on the development of black-owned businesses. Some of the beneficiaries include Vereeniging Steel & Pipes, as well as Amashuka Sourcing whose marketing capabilities were enhanced.
