Optimise BEE Strategy with Skills Development, Enterprise and Supplier and Development

By Dr Wynand Goosen

With unemployment at an all time high, Covid-19 scaring employers and intimidating learners, the world is seemingly, quite depressed. The pressure on the formal economy to provide “jobs” to the youth, remains unrealistically high. As the formal economy can’t seem to grow fast enough to absorb the youth, alternative ways of economic emancipation must be created. Young people don’t just want a means to earn though. The millennial mind has a need to also engage in meaningful activity. There also must be progression, development and of course, a sense of achievement and progress. Its more than just about money. It’s also about finding a purpose and having fun whilst doing it.

The role of Technology has always been a very attractive one. Inventing something, developing a software app, disrupting a market, and solving problems is new religion for self-development. Often the obsession with technology, is the objective itself. However, guided programs and incubators could possibly grow a new type of entrepreneur. A more sustainable, realistic, and mature businessperson. A designer experience for personal development? 

The answer lies in identifying opportunities where individuals can participate in a choice of pre-developed incubators where an entire industry can be created. Many opportunities exist in the Green economy, such as Plastic Recycling, Water Management and Solar. With CSI, SD and ED spend, incubators can be established that can not only provide jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, but also solve real world problems.  

Incubators should, however, be structured, planned experiences, with input and output controls. The objectives should be outlined and measured - Tracked and monitored. Guidance, coaching and mentoring should form part of the process of perpetual development. Continuous skills development should be provided. Models should be more integrated and focused on long term objectives.  

The individual’s development should, however, be quantified. Trough skills development, training, RPL and of course CPD, graduation should be seen as a level of competency recognition, rather than a level of knowledge. All along, a level of “scaffolding” should also consist of experienced business leaders, that would later be fed by the system itself.