Business leaders and transformation specialists gathered to reflect on the meaning of true empowerment in South Africa, when the Afrika Tikkun Services B-BBEE Partnerships hosted an engaging seminar on October 8 at Mercedes-Benz Sandton.

Afrika Tikkun’s B-BBEE expert Chris Hieber set the tone for the morning, with a candid call for companies to shift their focus from compliance to conscience. “Transformation isn’t about chasing level ones, or filling in forms. It’s about people, purpose, and accountability.”

Read more: Afrika Tikkun Services BBBEE Partnerships seeks to drive real transformation in Sandton

He reminded attendees that when the BEE codes were first introduced, many companies achieved high scores without changing their internal structures. “That was never the goal. Real transformation happens when you are intentional, when you use your business to create opportunity and dignity.”

He called on businesses to view empowerment as a shared responsibility, rather than an obligation. “Investing in people is not a favour; it’s an investment in your future workforce and your community.”

Hieber spoke passionately about the success of Afrika Tikkun’s youth development initiatives, which have given thousands of young people a pathway to employment and self-reliance.

Also read: Afrika Tikkun pushes for disability-inclusive policies in GBV fight

He urged companies to support small, black-owned enterprises through mentorship, procurement partnerships, and practical business inclusion. “Transformation is not about donating money and walking away; it’s about standing beside people as they grow.”

Hieber’s message resonated across the room: Transformation cannot be reduced to paperwork or targets. It must live in company culture, leadership priorities, and everyday decisions. “Ask yourself if what you’re doing changes lives. That’s the real measure of empowerment.”

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!