Acino achieves Level 1 B-BBEE status in South Africa for the third year running
For the third year running, Acino has attained Level 1 B-BBEE status in South Africa. The Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (“B-BBEE”) is an important piece of legislation critical to doing business in the country.
Concretely, this is thanks to Acino’s preferential procurement and investment in enterprise and supplier development through initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic development of communities.
“Acino’s approach to diversity resonates with South Africa’s philosophy of equal opportunity, and we are extremely proud to have attained Level 1 B-BBEE, a significant accomplishment considering we are the only multinational pharmaceutical company to achieve this prestigious status,” says John Norman, General Manager Acino South Africa and Regional Director English-Speaking Africa.
“This year, we were able to provide employment to 120 previously disadvantaged people from who have basic and limited educational qualifications,” says Trevor Reddy, Head of Market Access, Pricing, Tenders & B-BBEE.
Acino also supported 184 learners with the view of educating and upskilling the future workforce. Learnerships enable both the employer and the learner with opportunity, creating a scenario where employers train young people with the desired skills.
Moreover, Acino invested in 57 YES (Youth Employment Services) youths. The YES initiative signifies huge progress towards facilitating South Africa’s young people to gain work experience through employment placement. Three major factors come into play for South Africa businesses – the employment of youth, B-BBEE requirements and training and development.
Attaining and more importantly maintaining the Level 1 status is important to Acino’s commitment and dedication to being part of the transformational journey in South Africa.