BEE fronting is a significant concern in South Africa as it involves a deliberate circumvention or attempted circumvention of the B-BBEE Act and the Codes (referred to as the “BEE regulations”), which are designed to promote economic transformation and equality in the country. Businesses looking to set up in South Africa for the purpose of complying with BEE regulations often have several concerns:

• Risk of involvement in fraudulent or unethical practices: Businesses are concerned about engaging in activities that may harm their reputation and credibility. Fronting schemes can involve misrepresentation and deceit, which can have serious consequences for a company\’s standing in the business community.

• Lack of clarity and consistency in interpretation and implementation: There can be challenges in understanding and applying the BEE regulations. The lack of consistent interpretation and implementation across different sectors and authorities may create confusion for businesses.

• Legal consequences: engaging in fronting practices can result in legal repercussions for businesses. These consequences may include fines, imprisonment, cancellation of contracts, or exclusion from public procurement if found guilty of fronting.

To avoid fronting or being perceived as involved in fronting, businesses should consider the following measures:

1. Conduct due diligence: before entering into partnerships or agreements, businesses should thoroughly research and verify the credentials and track record of potential BEE partners to ensure they are legitimate and compliant.

1. Implement effective governance structures and policies: businesses should establish robust governance structures and policies to monitor and report on their BEE compliance and performance. This includes having internal controls and systems in place to prevent and detect fronting practices.

1. Seek professional advice: engaging reputable BEE consultants or verification agencies can provide businesses with expert guidance on BEE compliance and help navigate the complexities of the BEE regulations.

In cases where a holding company\’s subsidiary is found to have been involved in fronting, the holding company may face various consequences including:

• Reputational damage and loss of trust: the holding company\’s reputation and trustworthiness may be compromised in the eyes of stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the public.

• Legal liability: if the holding company was aware of or complicit in the fronting scheme carried out by its subsidiary, it may face legal liability for its subsidiary\’s actions. Legal consequences could include fines, legal claims, and potential damages claims.

• Impact on BEE scorecard: if the subsidiary\’s BEE status is revoked or downgraded due to fronting, it may lead to a reduction in the holding company\’s BEE scorecard points or level.

It is, therefore, crucial for businesses operating in South Africa to prioritise compliance with BEE regulations.