At Greif, we believe that sustainable business success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility and community empowerment. That’s why we’re proud to announce that Greif South Africa has once again achieved a Level 3 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating—marking the third consecutive year at this level.
This achievement is a testament to Greif South Africa’s unwavering commitment to our Creating Thriving Communities and Protecting Our Future strategic missions and their dedication to making tangible, positive changes in the communities Greif serves.
Why B-BBEE Certification Matters
In South Africa, B-BBEE certification is not only a regulatory requirement but also a competitive differentiator. The certification is based on a rigorous annual audit and affects the procurement ratings of our customers—many of whom rely on our score to fulfill their own compliance mandates.
A Level 3 rating places Greif SA in a strong position within the market, ensuring we remain a valuable partner to businesses across the country. It’s worth noting that the B-BBEE system ranges from Level 1 (highest) to Level 8 (lowest), making this achievement even more significant given the complexities of the certification process.
The Journey to Level 3: A Multi-Year Effort
Patricia Singh, Manager, Greif South Africa, announced the good news on March 26. “We have successfully attained a Level 3 rating in the recent audit. Achieving level 3 is truly remarkable, especially given the increasing challenges. Despite our hurdles, we delivered and succeeded. Congratulations to our amazing team. Your incredible dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment have paid off. A big thank you for your sterling efforts.”
Over the years, Greif SA has progressed two levels (starting at Level 5), navigating an ever-evolving landscape that makes certification increasingly challenging. The progress made stems from targeted, strategic initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and empowered organization.
- Strengthening Skills Development:
A cornerstone of the B-BBEE rating is developing the skills of an organization’s workforce. The SA team invested significantly in training, mentorship, and upskilling programs to ensure all colleagues, regardless of background, had the necessary tools to succeed. This focus on empowerment not only boosted their B-BBEE score but also enhanced the overall workforce’s capabilities. - Leveraging the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme:
Another crucial strategic aspect was their participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. By onboarding young, unemployed individuals and providing them with valuable work experience, they demonstrated a commitment to youth empowerment. This initiative earned them additional B-BBEE points and positively impacted local communities. - Fostering Supplier Development:
The team worked to strengthen relationships with B-BBEE-compliant suppliers. By adjusting procurement practices, they supported local businesses that align with their transformation goals. This effort increased their B-BBEE score and contributed to a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem. - Maximizing Socio-Economic Development Contributions:
Strategic investments in socio-economic development (SED) initiatives, such as educational programs and community outreach, were vital. These contributions not only boosted their B-BBEE score but also helped build a more equitable society.
Ipackchem Acquisition & B-BBEE Commitments
As part of the Ipackchem acquisition, the competition authorities insisted on B-BBEE commitments from Greif before approving the deal. Patricia Singh and Sharon Oliver, Human Resources Manager for South Africa, worked in alignment with the Ipackchem team to prepare proposals for South African authorities to get the transaction approved and improving the B-BBEE ratings.
Wanda van Engelen, VP Legal Affairs EMEA & APAC congratulated the Greif South Africa team: “Congratulations on achieving this outstanding result, which is so important for our business and customers in South Africa. It has been hard work and an additional responsibility to your day-to-day duties, so thank you very much for all your collaborative efforts.”
Looking Ahead
The continued success in maintaining a Level 3 B-BBEE certification highlights the dedication of the Greif SA team and underscores Greif’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth. We remain focused on empowering individuals, uplifting communities, and building a resilient, equitable future—together.
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