Celebrating 5 Years as SA’s Top BEE Verification Agency

In a landscape where trust, precision, and expertise are paramount, Honeycomb BEE has claimed the title of South Africa’s leading BEE Verification Agency for five consecutive years. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the agency’s commitment to excellence.

To dive deeper into what sets Honeycomb BEE apart, Operations Director Deirdre Mitchell did an interview with TopCo magazine and shared her insights on what it truly takes to maintain this top-tier position.

1.     Congratulations on achieving 1st place in the Top500 BEE Verification Agency sector for five years in a row. What does this accolade mean to you and your company?

Honestly, words cannot express what an honour this is. As an employer, striving for excellence is at the heart of everything we do. I firmly believe that by looking after our team, they will, in turn, look after our clients. At Honeycomb, we’re deeply committed to retaining both talented staff and loyal clients, and to win this award for five consecutive years is proof that our approach is working. It’s a huge point of pride.

2.     In your opinion, what sets Honeycomb apart from the competition?

 Honeycomb stands out in an industry often cluttered with opinions. Instead of getting caught up in the noise, we focus on legislation and how our clients implement it. For us, BEE is about embracing the ‘spirit of the Codes’, and when that spirit is honoured and the substance is there, Honeycomb is satisfied.

We’re not here to penalise our clients – we’re here to partner with them, helping them to achieve a scorecard that truly reflects their BEE efforts. Our success is built on relationships, and we pride ourselves on having retained clients for 12 to 13 years since our inception.

3.     What products and services does the company offer?

As a SANAS-accredited BEE Rating Agency, we provide BEE certificates following the completion of a thorough verification process. In addition, we’ve established a dedicated department that works closely with large entities and numerous mines, helping vet suppliers and assess potential risks around BEE compliance and ownership structures.

4.     Honeycomb is an interesting name – how does it relate to what you do?

It takes a colony of bees days to build a single honeycomb, symbolising the values of unity, loyalty, and community – principles that are core to us. It’s a powerful reminder of how collaborative efforts can reap positive results.

5.     As Managing Director, what is your key role?

My primary responsibility is ensuring strict compliance with our accredited Management System. As a SANAS-accredited agency, it’s this system that holds the accreditation, making adherence absolutely crucial, and I am the appointed representative to ensure this.

I manage the audits to ensure we meet client expectations as well as deadlines, whilst still working within the BEE Codes and our Management System.

6.     What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I’m passionate about applying legislation and driving the industry to do the same. In such a volatile industry, a deep understanding of both our accreditation procedures and the BEE Act is a key strength for myself and Honeycomb. This gives us a distinct edge – we’re unafraid to navigate within the framework of the law, and we embrace the challenges we face each day.

7.     You have been with Honeycomb for 8 years. Please outline for us the major changes and trends you have seen in the sector over this time.

Our industry has seen an influx of small agencies, which presents a challenge. Their limited knowledge leads them to take unnecessary risks that often violate legislation. On top of that, they’re undercutting prices, compromising the quality and authenticity of verifications. The irony is that the Measured Entity is ultimately responsible for the score and certificate, and they could face serious consequences as a result. This is one of my biggest frustrations right now.

Additionally, there’s been a shift in the Skills Development element. We’re seeing unqualified ‘fly-by-night’ companies offering training that doesn’t meet the necessary criteria. Skills development is the most critical aspect of BEE, and when done correctly, it has the power to drive real transformation.

Our industry desperately needs better quality management and control, and this change must come from the clients themselves. They need to become more educated to avoid these shortcuts.

8.     What have been your most memorable moments and significant challenges?

Winning the Top500 award ranks as one of Honeycomb’s greatest achievements. We take immense pride in retaining our clients, and it’s a proud moment each year when we see clients renew their commitment. Our dedication to becoming the leading force in the Mining Sector is matched by our enthusiasm when we onboard new mining companies, and this pride extends to the Finance and Property sectors as well.

Annually, Honeycomb engages in numerous CSI initiatives, and we approach these efforts with both pride and gratitude for what we have. We also sponsor a Pro-Cycling team that has triumphed in events like the Cape Cycle Tour and, more recently, the 947. Seeing our name prominently displayed and offering these cyclists opportunities to compete locally and in Europe is a tremendous honour for us.

9.     What are you looking forward to in the short and medium term at Honeycomb?

We dedicate a significant portion of our year to training junior analysts to become skilled Senior Analysts. These young graduates undergo comprehensive industry training, fostering their growth while ensuring they embody our work ethic and standards. This approach not only supports their professional development but also strengthens our team with capable and committed employees.

10. Please share a message of inspiration with our Top500 community.

My greatest inspiration is my team. I firmly believe that with the right support, progress is inevitable. I’m deeply grateful for my team – they are exceptional and always go above and beyond to assist clients and meet deadlines. Our success stems from building a team that embraces our values and ethics, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of service.

Be thankful for those who support you and for the challenges that help you grow!