This Women’s Month in South Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has announced that it has increased black female representation in leadership roles and senior management, from 89% representation in 2020 to 94% representation in 2021.

This is reflective of CCBSA’s commitment to real transformation at board level, in its operations, and making a sustainable economic contribution to the country’s broader developmental agenda.

CCBSA recently announced that it has retained its level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status. The company attributes this achievement to women empowerment, as well as strategic investments in procurement which saw an increased spend with black-owned suppliers from 50% to just over 61% of its total adjusted procurement spend, of which 34% is with black females.

Through a robust transformation and inclusion agenda, the company has strengthened its women-led network called Women@CCBSA programme, an initiative that provides fair women representation and support in leadership.

CCBSA Managing Director, Velaphi Ratshefola, said: “CCBSA recognises the importance of investing in its people; and in particular, the leadership of our future. We are fully committed to creating a culture that promotes inclusion, celebrates diversity and supports women in the value chain.”

“Since its inception in 2018, Women@CCBSA creates a space for women to engage, coach and mentor each other and ensure they reach their full potential. The network has grown and provided a platform for experienced and successful female leaders to mentor,  coach and inspire the next generation of women professionals,” said Ratshefola.

This initiative forms part of CCBSA’s transformation strategy, which strives to increase gender parity, ensure a diverse supply chain, increase black ownership of the business, and respond to the country’s economic agenda and sustainable development goals by investing in youth and women entrepreneurship.

Amongst other notable contributions, is the company’s Ikageng Employee Share Trust, established in 2020, which granted every employee equal shares regardless of employment level, race, or years of service. CCBS employees hold 15% shares and direct economic participation in the business and the total black ownership in the business is currently at 20%.

Ratshefola added: “We all have a role to play in creating opportunities for our communities, our customers, our employees, and our shareholders. We believe our industry leadership needs to be part of the solution to achieve positive change and to build a more sustainable future. This includes a strong emphasis on economic inclusion, driven by procurement and enterprise development to develop women and youth-owned businesses as we help to correct past imbalances and change the trajectory of our country for the better.”