The second edition of blackpages – the directory of 100% black owned SMMEs in South Africa – is bigger and better than ever.

The blackpages is an initiative of Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) – an incubator programme offering subsidised infrastructure, training and mentorship to selected SMMEs to help support their growth and sustainability. The project was launched under the Shanduka name two years ago and the inaugural issue of blackpages was published in May last year.

In its second edition, the blackpages directory showcases, for the first time, B-BBEE certified 100% black owned businesses. More than 400 of the over 1300 SMMEs listed in the publication have been verified as having valid and current B-BBEE certificates.

Many of these SMMEs took advantage of a partnership with leading verification agency Empowerdex and Softline Pastel’s BEE123 to become verified for the first time – a further indication of their commitment to running professional operations geared towards success. Their verified status now also affords procurement decision-makers using the publication, a simplified process in meeting the requirements of the procurement section of the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.

In a further indication of support for the success of blackpages and its inherent value, corporate South Africa has seized the opportunity to advertise in this latest edition.

Cyril Ramaphosa, renowned businessman and executive chairman of the Shanduka, who inspired the inaugural directory concept, says the blackpages was originally intended as a guide for procurement managers and a means to stimulate small business development and ultimately improve job creation.

“It has subsequently emerged as an essential South African reference tool. Not only are procurement managers in the private sector using blackpages, but parastatals, municipalities, provincial and national governments too,” he notes.

“More so, we are heartened by the success stories conveyed to us on a regular basis by the SMMEs that joined us in the launch issue of the blackpages last year,” he adds.

Yvonne Themba, chairperson of SBU comments that the second edition of blackpages has particularly tasked itself with encouraging B-BBEE certification of SMMEs.

‘We firmly believe that in order for small businesses to succeed in a sustainable way, their understanding of procurement requirements and the importance of B-BBEE certification is paramount,” she explains. Lerato Ratsoma, Managing Director of Empowerdex, congratulated blackpages on an innovative product that gives meaningful effect to the preferential procurement element of the Codes.

“Having been instrumental in sector charter development and working closely with the DTI in developing the Codes of Good Practice we are proud to be involved in the second edition of blackpages. We know that those companies verified by Empowerdex will open themselves to further opportunities and growth”.

With a record number of listings, articles on B-BBEE certification and procurement procedures and impressive advertising support, the latest blackpages edition promises to deliver even further benefits to the procurement relationship between large companies, government and small black owned businesses.

Forty thousand copies will be distributed nationwide with Finweek’s 7th April edition – and on newsstands on 1st April. Additional copies are available for collection from Shanduka Black Umbrellas offices in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

A further 10 000 copies will be distributed in the coming weeks to government, parastatals and corporates throughout South Africa, For further enquiries contact Refiloe Nyoni at rnyoni@shanduka.co.za or visit the website at www.shandukablackpages.co.za

blackpages facts

• There are 435 B-BBEE verified businesses listed from all provinces.

• There are 1392 100% black owned SMMEs listed in the directory.

• It was published by Shanduka Black Umbrellas in association with Finweek and project managed by Cliqworks Communications (a Shanduka Black Umbrellas SMME). blackpages is an annual publication.

Shanduka Black Umbrellas facts

• The Shanduka Black Umbrellas initiative is a full service support programme that provides 100% black owned SMMEs with subsidised infrastructure, training and mentoring to help assist in their growth and sustainability.

• Shanduka Black Umbrellas targets high growth potential SMMEs and provides them with six months of training, assisting with the development of a comprehensive business plan. When ready, businesses are matched with a mentor who provides expert advice and specialised business support.

• For R500 or R1000 - depending on the stage of the business – SMMEs have access to a number of subsidised facilities and services such as secure office space, computers, telephones, internet connectivity, meeting rooms, a vehicle with a driver, a professional bookkeeping service and aassistance with statutory and taxation compliance requirements.

• Black Umbrellas was established in January 2005 to pilot a new design model for the support of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that counters the common problems typically faced by SMMEs in South Africa. The rebranding to Shanduka Black Umbrellas took place in September 2009.

• Aside from helping to set up businesses and alleviate unemployment, there are significant tax benefits and B-BBEE scorecard points that may be earned by companies investing in the programme.

• By offering such support services, Shanduka Black Umbrellas member SMMEs are able to operate professionally without having to incur huge set up costs themselves. In addition, the programme provides essential business training, mentoring, networking and marketing opportunities it also effectively prepares SMMEs to access finance more readily.

For more information click here to view the March 2011 Shanduka Black Umbrellas Newsletter