Altron Karabina Maintains Level 1 B-BBEE Rating with Emphasis on Skills Development

Altron Karabina, which is experiencing an outstanding business turnaround and solid growth, announced that it has maintained its Level 1 Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating. Altron Karabina’s Head of Human Capital, Caron Reynolds, says the company is committed to continuing to progress across all pillars of B-BBEE by embracing the spirit of B-BBEE.

“B-BBEE underpins the transformation imperative of our society, and we believe in transformation as a social and business imperative and not simply as a scorecard exercise. To that end, we will continue to focus on all aspects of the dashboard.”

Altron Karabina has slightly improved on various pillars of the B-BBEE rating system. “From an ownership perspective, we continue to gain from being part of the Altron group,” says Reynolds.

“We have seen an improvement in demographic representation within the organization at all professional levels. While we recognize that we have a long way to go and appreciate that this is a journey, we are resolutely striving for continuous improvements,” she says.

Focusing on skills, which Reynolds says is a key priority for the company and the country: “We have a severe skills shortage in the country and globally, and in the IT industry in particular, but tragically, we have many young people without the skills or that’s why it’s crucial to focus on skills development,” she said.

“As a company, we have a long-term commitment to supporting young people and people with disabilities. We don’t view this as a one-time event, but more of a long-term commitment to developing skills and building confidence in the workplace over the course of a few years,” says Reynolds.

She says Altron Karabina also participates in broader group-wide CSI initiatives. “We participate in group-level initiatives with a focus on building capacity in math, science and English in the country. Altron has identified these skills as crucial to closing the gap between the skills shortage and disadvantaged children who need the skills and opportunities to close the skills gap. By giving them the opportunity to learn these skills, it benefits them, their families and communities, the industry and the country,” she says.

Collin Govender, MD of Altron Karabina, says embracing the spirit of B-BBEE comes naturally to the company as it actively drives greater purpose within the workforce. “We continue to ensure that our organization is an image of South Africa that we all want to live in.

“We consciously apply a sense of responsibility to the purpose of each project, and this carries over to our own business and our employees.

“It is a privilege to be involved in the work we do and to have an impact on clients’ businesses, which positively affects society at large. It is no different with internal growth, procurement, skills development and employment – it is with a sense of honor, responsibility and duty that we contribute to the elevation and wider transformation of our society.