Transformation
BBBEE and Transformation
At BDO South Africa, we embrace diversity and transformation within our firm, our profession and the wider business community. We are committed to sustainable empowerment through skills development, equal opportunities and a diverse workforce at every level.
We have maintained our Level 1 B-BBEE rating since 2021. In 2026, Black ownership stands at 60.64%, with 27.86% Black female ownership. Our target is to achieve 30% Black female ownership by 2030.
Our Transformation Committee oversees our progress towards equal opportunities for all our people. Its priorities include recruiting from underrepresented groups identified in BDO’s Employment Equity Plan and succession planning to improve representation at senior levels.
The CEO and CPO serve on the committee, supported by the Employment Equity Committee and the Approvals Committee, which focuses on compliance with employment equity legislation.
For our 2026 national Audit trainee intake, 73% of candidates are African, Coloured and Indian (ACI). African and Coloured candidates account for 89% of the first-year ACI intake.
We invest in developing people and creating opportunities for learning and employment.
Our support for learners with disabilities amounts to R3.6 million. We also participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, following the introduction of our partnership in 2021.
Within the firm, our High-Performance Programme supports the development of future leaders through internal and external learning opportunities.
Our procurement policies support B-BBEE suppliers, with a focus on Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs), Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs), and Black-owned and Black female-owned businesses.
Our 2026 transformation figures reflect:
88% of total procurement directed to B-BBEE suppliers.
43.5% of procurement benefiting EMEs.
R1.93 million in interest-free loans.
R743,000 in grants to small businesses.
We contribute our professional expertise through pro bono work. Our 2026 transformation figures reflect R3.1 million in pro bono services for 17 clients.
2019: Introduced a learnership programme for people with disabilities.
2020: Increased economic interest and voting rights for Black shareholders and provided diversity and inclusion training for partners and managers.
2021: Achieved Level 1 B-BBEE status, partnered with the Youth Employment Service and appointed our first African female Head of Advisory.
2022: Appointed our first African CEO.
2023: Appointed our first African Head of Audit.
2024: Achieved our highest B-BBEE score to date.
2025: Hired six African partners/directors, five of whom are women.
2026: Appointed our first Black Head of the International Outsourcing Centre (IOC).
Elevating people. Elevating business. Elevating society.