Two oh one two

Or twenty twelve as we South Africans would say.  Happy new year - I certainly hope that it's a good one for everyone.  It's taken a while to get find my feet this year but I am now officially open for business.

We were dumped with a surprise at the end of last year when EMEX announced that they were closed.   Their website carries the very simple

Emex Trust is closed. 

Which is then followed by an explanation which says that they are sad and they've gone.  You can click on the link for now but I doubt whether the site will be up much longer.  This is sad but it does seem to send a message that you really don't want to mess with SANAS at all.  So that then leaves 68 agencies to pick up the flak (Leila that page needs updating).  And IRBA does not seem to be any closer to accrediting anyone.

What's in store for this year then?

1. That dodgy BEE Bill is going to go through even though it is such a dubious piece of writing.
2. With number one comes the BEE Council being paid ridiculous amounts of money to perpetuate their incompetence.
3. We are going to see a little more corporate dissent.  I think the private sector has no real problem with transformation but I think this year will be the first year where they will start questioning why they should remain the government's whipping boy for its own inadequacies.  I'll help where ever I can
4. Namibia will finally adopt some sort of BEE policy, I just hope it's not NEEEF
5. Perhaps (and only perhaps) the verification agencies will start demonstrating a little bit of professionalism and practice efficient account management.  I've never come across an industry with such a bad reputation for customer service.
6. Udge will be the king.  Wait a minute - he is the king.  You can expect more publications to quote him liberally - but those of us in the know will remain mildly amused by the nonsense.
7. Some new codes might be coming our way (like the current ones don't work).
8. On that note - it seems as though from February the new targets kick in for EE, skills and procurement.  What we don't know is where we start measuring from.  Whatever you do, please don't ask the DTI.
9. ABACUS will still be in business even though they know that I know that they shouldn't be.
10. The FSC will go through, for the big four have willed it.
11. The DTI will (tick the correct box - multiple choices are acceptable)

• Answer their phone
• Actually do something about a fronting allegation
• Understand that they really should be the last voice when it comes to BEE interpretation
• Actually do something about the aforementioned fact
• Get competent

Don't forget to comment freely on the blog and if you want an opinion on something send me an email and I'll write about it.