Johannesburg - There continues to be a low representation of
black people and women in business executive positions, a Business Unity SA
(Busa) study has found.
"While Busa notes the overall improvement in
transformation across all companies listed on the JSE, the current pace of
transformation is inadequate," it said on
Tuesday.
The study of the top 40 Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed
companies found black people accounted for 25.3% of staff. This was below the
2017 target of 50% set out in the Black Economic Empowerment Codes.
Of the 25.3%, 9.5% were executive directors. Black
non-executive directors stood at 27.6%.
The percentage of black, independent non-executive directors
was 38.1%, compared with a target of 40%.
Black chairpersons accounted for 22%; black CEOs for 6.9%;
and black chief financial officers (CFOs) for 7.9%. The target is 50%.
The percentage of black woman directors was 10.2; black
women CEOs 1.2% and black chairwomen 3.9%.
White men, however, accounted for most senior positions
across all companies on the JSE.
White men occupied 52% of all board positions, 72% of
executive directors, 51% of chairmen, 76% of CEOs and 76%of CFOs.
"An analysis of the findings showed that JSE companies
have disappointingly taken the path of least resistance, appointing black
people to non-executive, rather than executive positions."
Busa said the study also found the lack of representation
was not due to a shortage of qualified black professionals.
"With only six years left before the targets must be
met, time is running out for companies to take proactive steps to shape their
representation for the future."