DTIC defends BEE as global backlash grows

THE Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has defended Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), saying the policy has achieved a certain level of economic participation of black people, adding that the attack against it is part of a global, politically driven trend by opposition to affirmative action.

- MANYANE MANYANE

This follows calls from the DA and some civil society organisations for the government to scrap or fundamentally replace the B-BBEE policy, arguing that it has failed to uplift the majority of citizens and has instead fostered corruption and enriched a politically connected elite.

Trade and Industry Ministry spokesperson, Kaamil Alli, said the attack is a result of global opposition to affirmative action, driven by opponents of “redress”, adding that South Africa is not unique in this instance.

Alli added that the US serves as an example.

The US is actively pressuring other countries to dismantle affirmative action and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, labelling them as infringements on human rights, discriminatory and violations of the merit principle.

While the Donald Trump administration has not released a specific numerical list of target countries, reports indicate a broad, global focus with specific pressure applied to European nations, including France and Belgium, to roll back diversity measures in corporations doing business with the US.