Control Instruments-Automotive, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Control Instruments,  has improved its B-BBEE rating from Level 7 to Level 5 for the 2012 audit period.  

“This is a reflection of the Group’s focus in developing employees and communities, and addressing skills development within the Group,” said Sean Rogers, CEO Control Instruments. 

“In playing our part in transforming the automotive industry, our customers  stand to benefit from our improved status under the preferential procurement element of the B-BBEE scorecard,” he said.

CI-Automotive employment equity rating was improved by a number of factors, including the acquisition of a 25% black partner. This along with the promotion of more black females to supervisory and middle management positions further contributed to the improvement. 

“We are delighted that Kanthu Nkhama Automotive, a strategic black empowerment consortium, acquired 35-million shares in Control Instruments. The transaction has allowed the Group to achieve the transformational objectives set for the company,” said Mr Rogers. 

A spokesperson for Kanthu Nkhama Automotive, as a major shareholder of Control Instruments, said the company will play a role in assisting in the transformation of the automotive sector in South Africa. 

Jane Normann, HR executive, CI-Automotive, said the focus is also on promoting staff within the company. “Appointments are focused on black females wherever possible.”

“On the B-BBEE scorecard, Skills Development was increased through training initiatives that have included learnerships with a black female focus.  Learnerships cover Generic Management; Contact Centre and a Level 4 National Certificate in Management,” she said.

The company’s Enterprise Development programme in Cape Town now includes an in-house canteen facility run by a black female empowered partnership. The operation is run on-site for the benefit of staff. CI-Automotive’s contribution includes a full canteen facility provided to them free of charge with all support services necessary for the running of a compliant canteen.  

B-BBEE points relating to Socio-Economic Development (SED) were also increased. A staff bursary scheme has been implemented for children of staff upon completion of their tertiary education. Donations are awarded to a variety of charities and organisations, both in Cape Town and Johannesburg, which benefit previously disadvantaged communites and individuals. 

“Included in the SED category is our in-service training programme for students from CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) who complete their one year in-service training at CI-Automotive’s Cape Town factory on an annual basis,” said Ms Normann.

“Our longer-term B-BBEE strategy is to achieve a Level 4 rating by 2015 through additional SED and other initiatives we are currently researching,” said Ms Normann. 

"We view this achievement as being both good for the economic growth of the country and the upliftment of previously disadvantaged people,” said Mr Rogers.

“Economic stability is critical to South Africa and CI-Automotive believes that companies should contribute to the economy in this manner, over and above the normal course of doing business.”

More infoJane Normann 
Control Instruments-Automotive
Tel:  +27 21 710 6923
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.ci-automotive.com