Consumer goods group Libstar is struggling to attract and retain critical talent, with several key vacancies filled by employees in acting roles.
The company said in its annual report, published last week, that as competition for talent intensifies and transformation remains crucial, its ability to strengthen its workforce and leadership diversity is critical to its long-term sustainability.
Libstar acknowledged the growing difficulty of finding suitable candidates, especially for positions at its Amaro Foods facilities and support departments.
“Finding the required talent that is a good fit for the business is an ongoing challenge and Amaro has several vacancies in key positions at our facilities as well as in support departments. These positions are currently covered by employees in acting capacities while interviews for permanent appointments are ongoing,” said Libstar.
“Libstar recognises that the group’s success is critically dependent on the skills, experience and conduct of our employees. We believe that our greatest strength lies in our people. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining talent and implementing safety protocols to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of our workforce.”
To address these workforce pressures, the company implemented focused talent management and development programmes, including a formal succession planning framework and enhanced employee incentives.
Progress in gender representation is progressing well. A total of 55% of the workforce is female, with women holding 49% of management roles and 50% of board positions.
However, the group still lags in terms of racial diversity, with only 25% of board members being black, compared to 62.5% white and the remainder categorised as “other nationalities”.
The company said a board diversity policy has set a voluntary target of 30% black representation at board level within the next three years.
This contrasts with industry peer Tiger Brands, which in its 2024 annual report claimed 45% black representation on its board and a 2030 target of 50%. However, Tiger Brands still trails Libstar on gender balance, with just 36% of its board made up of women.
Libstar maintains that improving diversity and transformation remains a strategic focus. The company said it continues to roll out its BBBEE strategy and corporate social investment policy to support community development and workplace equity.
“Our approach to human capital aims to provide opportunities for employees to pursue individual personal growth, foster a positive and nurturing workplace, and create career progression opportunities,” the group said.
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