"Ukhamba, a Nguni word meaning calabash, is a symbol chosen by Ukhamba Holdings for its significance and meaning. To us, Ukhamba is a time honoured customary container for storing water or traditional beer for future use."

Generally, empowerment initiatives tend to benefit only a handful of recognised black organisations or individuals. This has led to a concentration of economic power among relatively few black businessmen and women. In only some instances have economic empowerment and wealth creation been extended to include previously disadvantaged individuals at grassroots level.

With this in mind, Imperial chose an innovative route to empower all its previously disadvantaged staff members.

In 1998 the Imperial Group established Ukhamba Holdings. Through a vehicle called Ukhamba Trust, Imperial's more than 15 000 previously disadvantaged employees were able to acquire a stake in Ukhamba Holdings and share in the wealth it creates.

In March 2004 Imperial concluded a transaction with Ukhamba Holdings, through which Ukhamba acquired a stake of 10,2% in Imperial. By July 2007 5,973,421 deferred ordinary shares converted to ordinary shares. The value of these shares is more than R390 million representing real, unencumbered wealth transfer to Ukhamba.

The purpose of Ukhamba Trust is to generate wealth for its shareholders, inculcate a culture of investment among employees from the previously disadvantaged groups and to create employment opportunities where employees from these groups can learn new skills, which will in turn make them more marketable and prosperous.