2.1 Name THREE types of diversification strategies - NSC Business Studies - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) play a vital role in the realization of the Skills Development Act’s objectives. Their main functions include:

• Developing skills development plans in line with national strategies.
• Promoting workplace training through partnerships with employers and training providers.
• Allocating grants to companies that comply with Skills Development funding requirements.
• Monitoring and evaluating training initiatives to ensure effectiveness and accessibility.

2.3.1 Maternity Leave: Ruth is entitled to maternity leave in accordance with the BCEA.

2.3.2 Annual Leave: Ashley is entitled to annual leave as per the stipulated provisions of the BCEA, allowing employees to rest yearly.

2.3.3 Sick Leave: John’s leave to care for his sick mother falls under the family responsibility leave, permitted by the BCEA.

2.3.4 Sick Leave: Zodwa’s case of flu corresponds with the sick leave provisions in the BCEA, confirming her right to take leave with medical documentation.

The Labour Relations Act primarily aims to promote fair and harmonious labor relations in the workplace. It achieves this by setting out the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, including:

• Regulating the conduct of trade unions and employers’ organizations.
• Encouraging collective bargaining practices to resolve disputes.
• Ensuring fair treatment of employees in the workplace and securing their rights to organize and participate in union activities.

The Consumer Protection Act outlines several rights to protect consumers. Three key rights include:

• Right to Fair Value, Good Quality, and Safety: Consumers are entitled to receive goods that meet quality standards and are safe for use.
• Right to Information: Consumers have the right to clear and honest information regarding products, enabling informed purchasing decisions.
• Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Consumers should have their personal information protected and not be subjected to unsolicited direct marketing.

The act that Meat Market Ltd is complying with is the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BBBEE).

1. Ownership: The company’s decision to give shares to previously disadvantaged employees demonstrates a commitment to Ownership as outlined in the BBBEE Act.
2. Skills Development: By offering learnership programmes, Meat Market Ltd is enhancing the skills of its employees, fulfilling the Skills Development pillar of the BBBEE Act.

2.7.1 Economic: Businesses may face challenges due to economic fluctuations, such as inflation and unemployment, which can reduce consumer spending and impact profitability.

2.7.2 Social: Social factors, like changing consumer preferences and demographic shifts, may compel businesses to adapt their products and marketing strategies to remain relevant.

Businesses can comply with the Employment Equity Act by:

• Establishing workplace policies that promote equal opportunities for all employees.
• Implementing recruitment practices that seek to employ individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Providing training and career development opportunities to historically disadvantaged individuals to empower them in the workplace.