As we reflect on all that has happened this year and all we hope for the year ahead, we wanted to reach out and express our deepest gratitude to you for being a valued part of our journey so far. One last bit of information that we’d like to communicate to our ICT clients for this year is outlined below:
Important notice to all our ICT clients:
The ICT Sector Council issued a formal communication on the 14th of December 2020, confirming that Rating Agencies are not required to provide proof of payment to the ICT Council as part of its verification process until it is gazetted as such.
This confirmation was received following concerns that were raised due to a letter from the ICT Council on the 7th of May 2020. In this letter, the ICT Council stated that as from the 1st of December 2020, Rating Agencies are required to confirm if the Measured Entity has contributed towards the Council’s 2020 fees and that this confirmation is necessary for the recognition of the B-BBEE Certificate or Affidavit under the Enterprise and Supplier Development element (“ESD”), Statement AICT 400.
There are speculations in the market that the draft ICT Sector Code has been prepared and submitted to the Dtic. It is, however, unknown as to when the gazetting of the new draft Code will happen and whether or not this will occur soon. What is furthermore uncertain, is whether or not the obligation on Rating Agencies to ensure payment before recognition can be given for ESD, will be revisited in the new Draft.
Unfortunately, this is an evolving landscape. We’ll keep you updated as and when the information is forthcoming from the Dtic (if at all).
AQRate looks to the future:
The lockdown brought to light what is most important in our lives. The good health of those we love, the kind and generous nature of our fellow man, and gratefulness for human connection.
As we enter our second-wave of COVID-19 infections in South Africa, we want to assure you that our commitment to you and your safety will not falter.
As the leading BEE verification agency in South Africa, we will continue to provide you with the utmost quality and professional service, with uncompromising ethics and a passion for transformation.
After the year we’ve all had, we’ll be closed from 13h00 on Friday, 18 December 2020 to recharge over the festive season. AQRate will reopen at 08h00 on Thursday, 7 January 2021, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
The world is changing. We look to the future as more exciting possibilities await and wish you a wonderful festive season with those you love! May the new year bring prosperous new opportunities to you all.
If you have any queries or would like to pop us a line while we’re away, please do not hesitate to contact our office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sincerely,
The Team at AQRate
Tel: 021 914 9451 / Fax: 021 914 6295 / www.aQrate.co.za
