DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille is adressing the media in Gauteng on the party’s plan to replace Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) with what they describe as a “model of genuine empowerment”. 

The party said this plan will focus on job creation and inclusive economic growth, thereby eradicating poverty. 

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Zille said they wanted to bring public awareness on the “evils of the ANC’s abuse of BEE for enrichment.”

The event will be led by, Dr Ivan Meyer, DA Federal Chairperson, Helen Zille, DA Chairperson of Federal Council, Mat Cuthbert, DA Head of Policy, Dr Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, and Bridget Masango, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Social Development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy amid renewed calls by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to scrap it.

Last week on Monday, the DA announced plans to introduce an Economic Inclusion for All Bill aimed at replacing the existing BEE legislation, which it criticises for primarily benefiting a politically connected elite.

Ramaphosa, however, said the DA had yet to present any formal proposals to Parliament outlining their intentions to amend or repeal BEE. 

“The issue of BEE as it’s being raised by the DA, I have not yet seen their proposals,” Ramaphosa said.

“Currently we have a BEE policy, a BEE policy that is rooted and underpinned by our Constitution and the laws that we have passed. So if anyone wants an amendment to the BEE legislation, they must table their proposals, they must be taken for discussion in Parliament.”

He said the current BEE framework remains a key instrument in addressing past economic imbalances.

“At the moment the BEE policies, legislation, regulations as they stand apply without any dilution whatsoever. And we will continue to insist that the BEE process of transforming our economy is the correct approach to make sure that participation in the economy of our country is inclusive. Because hitherto it has not been inclusive, it’s been exclusive.

”It’s only been relegated to those who have benefited through privilege and many other processes from the economy that was skewed, that was only made to benefit a few white people.”

“BEE policies are meant to benefit all South Africans, ” said Ramaphosa. 

But political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela highlighted what he calls the benefits of South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, noting that it has enabled some black individuals to gain entry into previously white-owned companies.

“The benefits of B-BBEE is that a handful of black politically connected individuals have become directors and partners in previously white-owned companies. By doing so, they have assisted these companies to secure lucrative government contracts,” he said.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said transformation laws were non-negotiable. 

“There will not be a day in South Africa where BEE is scrapped as a legislation,” she said, adding that while amendments may be considered, they must not alter the core intent of the law.

“Where there are amendments, I’m certain that like any other piece of legislation, amendments are acceptable for as long as they do not deviate from the substance of that piece of legislation.”

COSATU’s Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks supported the ANC’s position, stating that BEE and employment equity laws remain essential for addressing historical injustices.

“Transformation legislation didn’t fall from the sky,” he said.

“When we have reached an equal society, you can have that discussion. But for the time being, we need it.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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