Human resources departments are increasingly tasked with ensuring their companies have a strong pipeline of black talent to drive transformation and address inequality. This requires HR to play a leading role in recruiting top executives and developing succession plans. As the current generation of white male managers retires, companies need candidates with 10-15 years of experience, which South Africa is still developing due to its apartheid history. To build this pipeline, HR must form partnerships with schools and colleges to proactively develop skills for the future workforce, benefiting both companies and the country. A recent report found that 42% of global business leaders believe their HR teams are underperforming at moving companies' talent forward.