In a recent B-BBEE audit, BMW SA achieved a Level 4 rating, the highest rating in the motor industry - elevating BMW to joint industry leaders together with Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and Renault.

BMW SA’s goal was to attain a Level 4 rating at the end of the 2011 financial year. However, through persistence, commitment and collaboration, this outstanding result was obtained ahead of the deadline. This is a clear indication of BMW’s commitment to transformation and development in South Africa, with a Level 4 status surpassing that of many South African multi-national organisations.

South Africa's policies on Broad-Based Black Economic empowerment are not simply aimed at redressing the wrongs of the past but rather ensuring local companies adopt a strategy of growth that is sustainable and aims to realise the country's full economic potential. Through BMWs achievement of this rating it is demonstrating its desire to contribute to the upliftment of the country in a sustainable manner, ensuring the longevity of the company and its projects while driving ethical business practices. Ratings are measured by means of a scorecard based on various elements, totalling 100 points.

This shortens the development time for artisans significantly whilst addressing skill inequalities from the past.

Throughout the year, the B-BBEE team worked hard to identify every possible opportunity on the scorecard, while strategically integrating this with the needs of the business in a very challenging economic environment.

Of particular significance is that BMW achieved a maximum score on Skills Development, Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development. This is testament to the success of projects such as the BMW Schools Environmental Education Development (SEED) programme which feeds a multitude of disadvantaged communities in over four provinces.

BMW also worked closely with Merseta on three dynamic programmes. The Retrenchment Assistance Programme, provides skills for entrepreneurial development; the National Certificate for Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly ensures the development of unemployed learners in disadvantaged communities and finally the Recognition of Prior Learning project addresses the motor tyre and plastic sector by developing skills among those previously unable to complete their trade tests. This shortens the development time for artisans significantly whilst addressing skill inequalities from the past.

Not only did BMW receive the maximum score on: Skills Development, Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development, but BMW also showed a marked improvement in Employment Equity. BMW can now proudly lay claim to having the most representative workforce when compared to other OEM’s.

In addition to the impressive efforts mentioned already, special congratulations must go to the all of the Associates in the Purchasing Division, who delivered an exceptional performance on Preferential Procurement. They were tasked with a challenging target, which at times seemed unattainable. A great amount of time and effort was spent convincing the company’s biggest suppliers of the need for transformation. This paid off with the Preferential Procurement score increasing by almost 50% compared to the last rating. Well done Purchasing – thanks to your efforts the Level 4 rating was made possible!

While achieving the Level 4 rating was no easy task, maintaining this level will become even more of a challenge as the Employment Equity and Preferential Procurement targets in the B-BBEE Code of Good Practice increase from 2012. However, having already exceeded all expectations BMW is more determined than ever to maintain its Level 4 status and support Government’s call for transformation.