Acino attains Level 1 B-BBEE status in South Africa
Today’s dynamic and competitive business environment requires that our ethics and compliance with laws be unwavering, proactive and strategic as regulations continue to evolve.
Acino constantly strives to ensure compliance with local and organizational laws founded on its Code of Conduct. The Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (“B-BBEE”) is one such important piece of legislation, critical to doing business in democratic South Africa.
Acino’s philosophy of diversity resonates with South Africa’s philosophy of equal opportunity, and we are extremely proud to have attained Level 1 B-BBEE status, a significant achievement considering we are the only multinational to achieve this status.
Acino has focused on Preferential Procurement, investment in Enterprise and Supplier Development through initiatives aimed at improving the Socio-Economic Development of communities, redressing the exclusion of Black majority’s participation in mainstream economy.
Local employment and upskilling
“Through this initiative, we were able to provide employment to 138 individuals from the previously disadvantaged sector who have basic to limited educational qualifications,” says Trevor Reddy, Head of Market Access, Pricing, Tenders & B-BBEE. “They are all drawn from the local community and often find themselves in dire socio-economic circumstances, with families reliant on uninterrupted employment for a single breadwinner. This is a responsibility that we do not carry lightly, but we are privileged to be able to impact positively upon.”
Lack of education and skills development has expanded the poverty gap significantly. Learnerships enable both the employer and employee with an amalgam of opportunity, creating a scenario where employers train young people with the desired skills. In the past year, Acino has invested in 78 learnerships with the view to educating and upskilling the future workforce.
“We are here to stay and help South Africa and our community grow. This certification demonstrates that commitment, and we look forward to making a difference for patients, healthcare practitioners and employees well in to the future,” adds John Norman, General Manager, Acino Healthcare and Regional Director English-Speaking Africa.