The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and the Companies Tribunal hosted a seminar on social and ethics committees (SEC) on the 9^th February 2017 at the Development Bank of Southern Africa in Midrand, South Africa. The purpose of the seminar was to discuss how Social and Ethics Committees (SECs) can be made more effective in such a manner that creates value not only for the company but also its stakeholders, employees, consumers, communities and investors amongst others.  Furthermore, the seminar aimed to raise more awareness about SECs as well as encourage their active involvement in the affairs of their respective companies.  The rationale is that companies should not only be concerned with profit maximisation but also ensure that communities, employees and the environment do not suffer harm as a result of their operations.