B-BBEE parallels with the Australian Native Title Act

DESPITE huge demographic differences, parallels in policies between Australia and South Africa addressing inequalities regarding indigenous populations appear mired in similar controversies.

- DR DUNCAN DU BOIS | Bluff

It is common knowledge that as a mechanism to uplift the previously disadvantaged, B-BBEE has failed. While enabling a small elite to become obscenely rich, it has entrenched unemployment, exacerbated poverty and deterred foreign investment.

According to Professor William Gumede of Wits University, it is conservatively estimated that R1 trillion has moved between the politically connected since 1994 (Daily Friend, May 30).

Like the ANC’s adherence to the Freedom Charter, which seeks the return to the indigenous majority of all natural resources forfeited during minority white rule, under the Native Title Act of 1993, the Aboriginal Australian minority may seek the restitution of lands seized under colonialism on the basis of spiritual, customary, historical, cultural, social and economic significance.

Although the Aborigine population of 984000 comprises only 3.8% of the total population, as of June 2024, 16% of Australia (4.3 million square kilometres) was subject to Aboriginal rights or interests.