Elegant Fuel is proud and delighted to announce that it has been awarded a coveted level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) certificate.

This accomplishment places the locally owned fuel wholesaler, distributor and service provider among the small percentage of South African industry players who have achieved the highest level of contribution to B-BBEE.

“Our level 1 status, awarded on 9 April 2020, underpins our proudly South African contribution as a service provider that is deeply invested in the development of our people and communities,” says director Faith Matsena.

While Covid-19 and its ramifications have greatly affected communities in South Africa and across the globe in recent weeks, the company is fully operational and has pulled out all the stops to ensure efficient delivery of bulk fuel during the national lockdown.

“We’re honoured that our commitment to growing the economy as an empowering supplier has been recognised through this certification. It’s also a manifestation of our commitment to transformation within our industry, and to growing and sustaining the country’s economy,” says Matsena.

What makes the achievement even more significant in a highly competitive space is the fact that very few of Elegant’s industry rivals have attained level 1 B-BBEE status, she adds, noting that when Elegant moved into smaller communities after big operators pulled out, it assisted clients in improving their operations and their bottom lines.

“We’re dedicated to running skills programmes in our communities, creating new, sustainable jobs, and unleashing individuals’ potential,” says Matsena. “Our initiatives include training and helping to fund budding artisans, and upskilling and employing interns, among other programmes.

“Not only are these objectives closely aligned with our B-BBEE plan, we genuinely believe that they help to make our country a better place for all. It’s about partnerships and relationships – without the communities that support us, we would not have achieved the success we have so far.”

Elegant’s dream is to make a measurable impact, and to grow and employ more people, she says. The group believes that, on a wider scale, its new status will also benefit consumers. Many of its stations are operated by previously disadvantaged South Africans.

“We’re proud that our organisation is an essential part of the backbone of South Africa’s economy and this relates to our overarching theme: #ElegantEmpowers,” says Matsena.

Launched more than 10 years ago, the Elegant Fuel Group is one of South Africa’s largest independent fuel providers and operates more than 65 service stations across South Africa, with many more to be added in the next few months. It also delivers bulk fuel to independent service stations across the country. The company is 25% black women-owned.