Black Empowerment First Technology Group's BEE Strategy has been launched with its primary objective being to achieve an employment profile that is a reflection of South Africa's demographic ratio. Another equally important objective is sustainable business development, which will ultimately encourage a positive influence over our Historically Disadvantaged communities. Shareholding With a 25.01% shareholding of the First Technology Group owned by Izazi Holdings, our compliance with current empowerment charters has been met. In addition First Technology Group also acquired 35% shares of CHM Vuwani Computer Solutions (Pty) Ltd, a BEE company strategically aligned with the Group. Employment Empowerment First Technology Holdings Limited is empowered in terms of Draft ICT and Financial Services Charters and are committed to continually enhance their: Skills Transfer Employment Equity Procurement Policies Social Responsibility programmes Enterprise development First Technology Group's strategy is to train HDI's from the bottom, creating a solid foundation of professionalism and proficiency. The Group has initiated the following internal skills: TECHNICAL All technical staff - A+ Certified Greater potential employees - moved to MCSE Certification Current technical HDI status = 25% Endeavour to reflect SA demographic percentages by year 2006 MENTORSHIP Conducted on individual levels Candidates interface with learning centres Forster relationships with students Increase interest in industry MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT Significant skills upgrade path Geared for industry requirements Target -operations in line with SA demographics ratio Enterprise Development First Technology seeks out partnerships with specialised Black Empowerment companies that offer customers a comprehensive IT service. In the area of procurement discretionary business we have an objective of 75 % BEE companies being suppliers to the group, we currently estimate our success in line with guidelines specified by the government. Recognition Our external auditors Grant Thornton for First Technology Holdings Limited have concluded a Findings Statement that confirms First Technology Holdings Limited BEE Status at 25.01%