Work-Back Arrangements and Skills Development of Previously Disadvantaged Employees through B-BBEE in the South African Private Sector

Abstract

This study sought to explore the implementation of work-back payback agreements and their nexus with BBBEE scorecards through a case study of large entities in Secunda, a small region in the Mpumalanga Province. Using a qualitative case study approach, seven participants were purposely selected from large entities in Secunda. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with the selected participants. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then subjected to reflective thematic analysis (RTA) to identify emerging themes. The analysis showed that the main drivers for training and development were the need for productivity in line with the strategic objectives of the organizations and, to a lesser extent, to improve the BBBEE scorecard rating of an organization. The study also identified employer and employee challenges, such as the inability to pay back when contracts are breached. Overall, this study strengthens the idea that training and development improve productivity and that BBBEE scorecard points are effective incentives to encourage employers to invest in the skills development of the previously disadvantaged