We are 100% B-BBEE rated in that we are an Exempted Micro-Enterprise, but since inception it has been Umtha’s purpose to provide employment and skills development to individuals from historically disadvantaged communities in Cape Town as well as refugees who meet the employment criteria set by the Department of Labour. The majority of Umtha employees are low-skilled women who are single bread-winners in their house-holds. Umtha has so far achieved success in four of the seven B-BBEE elements: employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement and enterprise development.
In addition to these, Umtha is committed to promoting from within where possible so that motivated individuals are able to progress towards a supervisory or management position. We regularly assess the socio-economic needs of our employees and intervene to assist where possible. Umtha offers interest-free loans to employees with housing and educational needs, and we provide access to a community doctor and nursing sister for employees with chronic illness or emergency injuries.
Our success stories include 2 women who have left Umtha to start their own beaded jewellery businesses, and another two women have moved on to be involved with adult education and Counseling.
Umtha’s current B-BBEE scorecard
In 2003, the South African government introduced new legislation concerning the employment of black people in the workplace. This new act titled: the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act develops the skills and expertise of black South Africans who were disadvantaged during Apartheid.
The act is comprised of seven elements. Businesses are required to measure their performance in each element. Businesses are then awarded a score and a B-BBEE status.
Umtha qualifies as an Exempted Micro- Enterprise (EME) as its total annual revenue is less than R5 million - this automatically gives Umtha a B-BBEE level 4 contributor status with a recognition level of 100%.
In addition to this, Umtha has so far achieved success in four of the seven B.BBEE elements:
Employment Equity
At Umtha, there are three black, female employees in a junior management position. In addition, four of Umtha’s black employees have been trained from within and promoted to perform more specialized jobs in the company.
Skills development
In 2008 Umtha appointed a Human Resource Manager to improve all areas of training for black employees. Umtha is committed to growing the potential of each employee.
Umtha trains employees in skills applicable to the jewellery trade. This training includes jewellery production, quality control, packing and stock management as well as management skills for supervisors. In addition, Umtha has developed a holistic training programme for all employees. The programme is designed to meet the particular needs of staff at Umtha and includes the following modules:
Business and entrepreneurship
Personal life skills development
Health and wellness
Parenting and childcare
Self-esteem development
Conflict resolution
Literacy development
Preferential Procurement
Umtha buys its ostrich eggshell beads and pendants from APD. APD is an Association for People with Disabilities, situated in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape.
Enterprise Development
Umtha has an ongoing capacity-building relationship with APD. Umtha’s management visits the workshop periodically to give advice and encouragement. In 2007 Umtha contacted Tearfund (a poverty intervention organisation in the UK) on APD’s behalf. As a result of Umtha’s efforts, Tearfund donated a much needed grinding machine and overalls to APD.
