BCW Africa founder and CEO Robyn de Villiers says, "While we qualify as a Qualifying Small Enterprise in terms of the Marketing Advertising and Communications Charter and are therefore not required to attain a 51% black shareholding, we believe that concluding this transaction shows our commitment not only to the needs of the country, but also to our large clients for whom the 51% shareholding is important."

"Our black shareholding is held in two trusts, which were established for the benefit of our previously disadvantaged team members as well as the staff of the other WPP companies operating in South Africa," adds de Villiers.

De Villiers says that for 30 years, her and her team have been on 'an African journey', building an award-winning communications network, counselling some of the world's most admired brands and contributing to the growth of the communications industry across the continent.

"Dedication to skills development, collaboration and growing partnerships is the bedrock of BCW Africa's philosophy and behaviour," De Villiers adds.

In October 2020, BCW Africa extended its 20+ year-old, well-known Starting Blocks Internship Programme across the continent. It went virtual for the first time and it had attracted 45 participants hailing from 10 countries across Africa. These included:
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Rwanda
  • Mauritius
  • Eswatini
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Morocco, and
  • South Africa.
The expansion of the programme is part of BCW Africa's ongoing commitment to its Africa network partners and to the up-and-coming talent the continent offers, according to the company. 

"Today's significant milestone is an indication of this partnership approach, signalling the agency's commitment to South Africa and Africa and to client requirements," concludes de Villiers.

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