9. Conclusion This document originated from a review of the current EmpIA process although the EmpIA has to – some extent been entrenched in Departmental practice, it may be said that the role and practice of empowerment is still misunderstood to some extent. Implementing agents are often not aware of how to incorporate empowerment principles and practice into projects. The initial empowerment guideline provided a template for practitioners to put empowerment into practice. This document has drawn extensively from that document where necessary. Having said that, the review indicated that there was a need for a greater socio-economic emphasis in relation to empowerment practice. A focus on quantitative elements only, ignores the need to also assess the impact that interventions may have on individual or community well-being. Consequently, the document has made reference to a number of socio-economic indicators that can be used during the research as well as the evaluation phase. This document has advocated for a greater emphasis on socio-economic aspects; firstly through more in-depth initial research and then in relation to an improved, deeper monitoring and evaluation process that will consider socio-economic aspects. Focusing on better research and more sustained monitoring and evaluation are seen as the keys to a more integrated process that will consider empowerment in a broader sense. The role of the BBBEE framework can also not be ignored. The proposed and impending alignment between the Procurement Regulations and the BBBEE framework means that the manner in which contracts were assessed and allocated will change. The Department will consequently need to consider this in its contract allocation procedures. Moreover, when contractors make provision for empowerment targets they will also need to consider the BBBEE status of the contractors that are brought on board as this will have a bearing on their own BBBEE status. Internally, the Department will also have to consider how it will monitor the implementation of the EmpIA across all client and implementing Departments. The EmpIA unit is not able to assess each and every empowerment-related contract and individual Departments will need to take responsibility for ensuring that the principles of empowerment are adhered to. Each empowerment-related intervention is unique different criteria and challenges will apply in – each case. It is hoped however, that this document, together with the experience of past EmpIA practice will provide some guidelines for practitioners and other related stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of empowerment related strategies and interventions.
9. Conclusion This document originated from a review of the current EmpIA process – although the EmpIA has to some extent been entrenched in Departmental practice, it may be said that the role and practice of empowerment is still misunderstood to some extent. Implementing agents are often not aware of how to incorporate empowerment principles and practice into projects. The initial empowerment guideline provided a template for practitioners to put empowerment into practice. This document has drawn extensively from that document where necessary. Having said that, the review indicated that there was a need for a greater socio-economic emphasis in relation to empowerment practice. A focus on quantitative elements only, ignores the need to also assess the impact that interventions may have on individual or community well-being. Consequently, the document has made reference to a number of socio-economic indicators that can be used during the research as well as the evaluation phase. This document has advocated for a greater emphasis on socio-economic aspects; firstly through more in-depth initial research and then in relation to an improved, deeper monitoring and evaluation process that will consider socio-economic aspects. Focusing on better research and more sustained monitoring and evaluation are seen as the keys to a more integrated process that will consider empowerment in a broader sense. The role of the BBBEE framework can also not be ignored. The proposed and impending alignment between the Procurement Regulations and the BBBEE framework means that the manner in which contracts were assessed and allocated will change. The Department will consequently need to consider this in its contract allocation procedures. Moreover, when contractors make provision for empowerment targets they will also need to consider the BBBEE status of the contractors that are brought on board as this will have a bearing on their own BBBEE status. Internally, the Department will also have to consider how it will monitor the implementation of the EmpIA across all client and implementing Departments. The EmpIA unit is not able to assess each and every empowerment-related contract and individual Departments will need to take responsibility for ensuring that the principles of empowerment are adhered to. Each empowerment-related intervention is unique – different criteria and challenges will apply in each case. It is hoped however, that this document, together with the experience of past EmpIA practice will provide some guidelines for practitioners and other related stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of empowerment related strategies and interventions.
revised_empowerment_impact_assessment_guideline.docx