Remuneration and performance of boards of directors has been the subject of extensive conceptualisation and empirical research over many years. Internationally most of this research has dealt with European and American based companies. Alternatively, and particularly in Africa, it has focused on listed companies and public entities. “This has left a huge knowledge gap regarding non-listed African board practices, particularly relating to privately-held company and family business board fees” said Carl Bates founder and chief executive of Sirdar Group.  

Sirdar Group, Africa’s leading educator, appointer and guide to high-performance boards of privately-held companies and family businesses has decided to fill that gap. “With the launch of this research project we are seeking to address this chasm in the research” Bates stated. “Specifically, we want to support the achievement of meaningful economic impact by companies across the continent through supporting their ability to have truly high-performance boards. This research is one aspect of enabling this to happen.” The research will provide high-level understanding for privately-held and family companies, shareholder-managers and non-executives directors on three subjects:

• The fees payable to the non-executive and independent directors of privately-held and family companies across Africa.
• The diversity of board structures of such African companies.
• The perceived performance of these boards. 

 Launched on 10 April 2018 this survey-based research is aimed at collecting data from board members of privately-held and family businesses across Africa for analysis. Directors and companies wishing to participate in this exciting journey and obtain a complimentary copy of the report can do so by completing the survey on the following link: https://sirdargroupafricanboardsurvey.evalandgo.com/s/?id=JTk2bCU5M28lOUElQjA=&a=JTk1cCU5OGwlOTglQjE   

For a shorter URL, please use the following link: http://bit.ly/SirdarSurvey18    

For more information or comment about this survey, contact: Eloi Lepitre, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 21 276 0546

The largest international businesswomen’s organisation - BPW International – has launched South Africa’s first register of board ready women.  

Keynote speaker, Mr Mohale Ralebitso, CEO of the Black Business Council, discussed the long slow haul for gender diversity on boards and the actions that the BBC are taking to ensure a swift progression to change. In addition, Mohale outlined the BBC’s stance on the recent JSE policy requiring listed companies to disclose the female representation on their boards and drive transformation at an executive management level.  

We need to capitalise on every talent available to ensure a South Africa and subsequently an African economy that thrives, and not simply those of a connected few.  

South Africa’s future women directors have organised under the “Get on Board” banner to passionately drive the transformation of boards. These talented women are operating at a high level in companies across industry sectors right now. The first 42 women on our Register all fulfil stringent criteria for corporate governance and legislation and are well trained through the BPW “Women on Boards” Director Development programme.    

It’s time we provide opportunities to more women than just the “high flyers” who currently occupy more board seats than is practical, taking away opportunities from up and coming new talent.  Placing unqualified non-executive female directors simply to tick a box or succumb to boardroom bullying, is neither acceptable nor ethical. Furthermore, the excuse that there are insufficient qualified women to occupy positions in the boardroom is simply a defence for not transforming. The high calibre of women on the Register highlights that there are more than enough eminently qualified women to help lead South Africa’s corporations through the 21st century.  

We are urging companies to heed the “Get on Board” call now, and to profit from this pool of talent and we recommend that all businesswomen join our Women on Boards programme to equip themselves with all the responsibilities and risks associated with taking on board positions to ensure they are able to participate knowledgeably and with confidence.    

Issued by: BPW South Africa

Enquiries:
Ms Toni Gomes President – BPW South Africa

Tel: 011 794-4991 | Fax: 086 551 5859 | Cell: 083 212 9134
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za