The Policy Hackathon aims to bring together key stakeholders—policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs—to address the complex regulatory and policy challenges that large corporations face when entering and operating in South Africa. As global companies expand into the country, they encounter distinct challenges in balancing growth with local economic and social priorities. The hackathon will explore how to develop policies that foster inclusive growth, fair competition, and responsible corporate behaviour.

Applying antitrust and market competition regulations as an enabler for inclusive economic growth and SMME development:
South Africa has a unique economic landscape where a few large corporations dominate certain sectors, making it crucial to address anti-competitive practices. Large corporations may have the advantage of scale, but there is a need for policy solutions that promote market access for local SMMEs and foster healthy competition. The hackathon will examine the role of the Competition Commission of South Africa and potential amendments to competition laws that can level the playing field for smaller, local businesses.

B-BBEE Compliance as a means to achieve social and economic equity:
As big corporations enter the South African market, they are required to meet BBBEE regulations aimed at promoting economic transformation and inclusivity. The hackathon will explore ways for these corporations to comply with BBBEE while also ensuring meaningful empowerment of previously disadvantaged communities. This includes examining procurement practices, ownership models, and corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives that align with the country's economic transformation agenda.

Labour Practices and Job Creation:
Unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, remains a significant challenge in South Africa. Large corporations, with their expansive reach, can play a pivotal role in job creation. However, concerns around labour rights, wage inequality, and working conditions persist. The hackathon will focus on developing labour policies that ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and skills development, with a particular emphasis on how big corporations can support South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) objectives of reducing unemployment and upskilling the workforce. Data Privacy and Protection (POPIA Compliance) With the implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa, large corporations must comply with stringent data privacy and protection regulations. This is particularly important in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and telecommunications, where the handling of consumer data is central to operations. The hackathon will explore policy solutions that not only ensure compliance with POPIA but also foster trust between corporations and consumers, enhancing data protection while enabling innovation.

Data Privacy and Protection (POPIA Compliance)
With the implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa, large corporations must comply with stringent data privacy and protection regulations. This is particularly important in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and telecommunications, where the handling of consumer data is central to operations. The hackathon will explore policy solutions that not only ensure compliance with POPIA but also foster trust between corporations and consumers, enhancing data protection while enabling innovation.

Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility:
South Africa faces pressing environmental issues, including water scarcity, energy shortages, and climate change impacts. Large corporations must align their environmental practices with national sustainability goals, including those set out in the country's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. The hackathon will address how big corporations can adopt green technologies, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to South Africa's transition to a low-carbon economy, in line with the country's commitments to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Inclusive Economic Growth and SMME Development:
The entry of large corporations into South Africa often leads to concerns about their potential to overshadow local businesses, particularly in townships and rural areas. The hackathon will explore policy frameworks that encourage partnerships between big corporations and SMMEs, focusing on supplier development, market access, and incubation programmes. These efforts can help boost local entrepreneurial ecosystems, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and supports the development of SMMEs and cooperatives in underserved regions

Date: 19 November 2024
Location: 22 On Sloane Cape Town Hub, 39 Somerset Road, Green Point.
Time: 14h00 - 16h30