ANC stands firm on BEE amid DA challenge

Political divisions deepen as economic policies clash in South Africa

- MASHUDU SADIKE [e-mail]

THE ANC has vehemently rejected the DA proposal to eliminate South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, reigniting tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This latest clash between the two largest partners in the GNU appears to have exposed deep ideological divisions, with the ANC doubling down on its commitment to BEE and stating unequivocally that the legislation will not be removed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking in his capacity as ANC president during a visit to Soshanguve in Pretoria on Monday night, made it clear that any amendments would need to align with the policy's constitutional underpinnings.

“Currently, we have a BEE policy that is rooted and underpinned by our Constitution, so if anyone wants an amendment to the BEE Act, they must table their proposals, and they must be taken for discussion in Parliament. At the moment, BEE policies, legislation, and regulation apply, without any dilution whatsoever”

The DAs Economic Inclusion for All Bill, introduced to replace the existing BEE policy, aims to remove race as a determining factor and replace it with a needs-based approach.

The party argues that BEE, since its introduction in 2003 as a redress policy for apartheid-era economic inequalities, has been ineffective and has primarily benefited a connected elite, leaving the majority of South Africans impoverished and unemployed. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, however, launched a scathing critique of the DA’ intentions.