TLU SA helps farmers to protect export status

TLU SA calls on farmers to make use of the assistance provided by TLU SA and Sakeliga in relation to the Perishable Product Export Control Board’s (PPECB) request to its customers to provide their B-BBEE certificates.

Although the PPECB’s request to its clients to provide their B-BBEE certificates does not currently affect their export status, there is great concern that this will be the next step of the organisation. TLU SA, in collaboration with Sakeliga, wants to enable farmers to tackle this challenge.

“In the affidavit that farmers must provide with the expected certificate, TLU SA and Sakeliga suggest that you add four paragraphs to protect you now and, in the future,” said TLU SA’s General Manager, Mr. Bennie van Zyl.

Farmers can get access to the four important paragraphs by visiting the website https://tluveldtogte.co.za/en/farmers-safeguard-your-export-status/ and filling in your email address.

The action comes after a statement from the PPECB asking for farmers’ B-BBEE certificate.

“On 19 October 2021, the PPECB issued a notice to its clients requesting them to send a copy of their B-BBEE certificate to their relevant PPECB office. Following this communication, several relevant clients contacted the PPECB for clarity on the purpose of this request. The PPECB understands these concerns and wants to explain the intent of their request,” reads the statement by PPECB in November.

“The B-BBEE certificates to be provided to the PPECB will be used to determine the level of compliance of the sector as a whole and that the PPECB will not evaluate the level of compliance of individual entities. Furthermore, it was communicated that the PPECB does not currently require its clients to be B-BBEE registered or that they obtain a specific B-BBEE rating.

It concludes with: “The PPECB also wants to make it clear that it will not suspend or withhold service from its customers who do not comply with B-BBEE. Companies that do not comply with it can therefore still export at this stage. Furthermore, a level of compliance has not yet been determined for the industry, but the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the sector can look at setting targets for the sector during the review of the B-BBEE generic and/or sector codes.”

For TLU SA, the warning lights are flashing brightly.

“By using words such as ‘currently’, ‘at this stage’, etc. it clearly shows that the use of B-BBEE certificates will have an impact in the future and therefore it is important that we act now to enable our farmers for the challenge,” said Mr. Van Zyl.

“This is why we also started a campaign, to give farmers easy access to our help and to give the public the opportunity to give their voice and support to our country’s farmers and economy.”