FABCOS has had a rich and exciting history over its more than 20 years of existence. It has over that period been led by people who today are business leaders in South Africa in their own right. Every year FABCOS adopts a strategy and slogan that reflects its focus for that given year. A careful look at the slogans adopted over the years paints a colourful picture of FABCOS’ history as shown below.
| YEAR |
ADOPTED SLOGAN |
KEY DEFINING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES |
1988
to
1993 |
Black Economic Empowerment |
- The organization was established at the outset of negotiations for the political liberation of South Africa
- FABCOS Sectors and their Associations were formed as the foundation and cornerstone of the organization. SABTA, the Taxi Association was the largest of the sectors followed by SATA – the Taverners’ Association
- FABCOS was generously supported by foreign donors and corporates at the time
|
1994
to
2002 |
Black Economic Empowerment |
- Complete reliance on donor funding was reviewed
- The FABCOS Trust and an Investment company (FABVEST) were formed to undertake investments that would contribute to the sustainability and independence of FABCOS.
- Even though financial independence was achieved, this was a bold move that introduced many unforeseen challenges for the organization
|
| 2003 |
Empowerment is our dream |
- An extensive consultation campaign was undertaken that informed the restructuring of the organization
- FABCOS recommitted itself to its original vision of empowerment for its members.
|
| 2004 |
From shaky ground to stability |
- An impressive investments portfolio had been secured by this time
- The investments were reorganized to streamline and release value
- CHAMSA was formed that fostered co-operation between FABCOS, NAFCOC, AHI and SACOB (the 4 national business chambers in South Africa)
|
| 2005 |
Turning the dreams of a nation into reality |
- A Corporatization Commission was established to investigate the operational relationship between FABCOS’ investments and its core business as a chamber and the needs of its sector associations
- Resulting from the above, FABCOS Enterprises (Pty) Ltd was formed to create and house sector aligned businesses that would directly trade in the formal economy
|
| 2006 |
Empowerment in our lifetime |
- Efforts to realize real and tangible empowerment for its members were accelerated
|
| 2007 |
Empowerment Realized |
- The FABCOS Trust declared its first distribution of profits made from investments as a windfall to members of the organization
|
| 2008 |
Beyond Empowerment … SIYAZENZELA |
- In order to optimize and consolidate, FABCOS created 5 operational companies (under the auspices of FABCOS Enterprises), expanded the scope of programmes aimed at member-business development, strengthened staff capacity, introduced systems, acquired an extensive range of operational assets, expanded provincial infrastructure and capacity and created an international relations unit.
|
| 2009 |
Doing the best with what we have |
- With an extensive national network of members, 9 provincial offices, 5 operational companies, an impressive portfolio of investments, strong and well-defined programmes for member development and empowerment, a pool of strong and committed international friends, partners and allies and a formidable workforce, FABCOS’ focus for 2009 is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness levels and to do the best with what it has.
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