Number of Blacks in executive management positions increased almost five-fold over 30 years – Ramaphosa

Lerato Mbhiza

President Cyril Ramaphosa gave a keynote address at the 2nd Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg where he said all progress points to the work that has been undertaken as a society to give effect to the constitutional injunction to promote the achievement of equality.

Ramaphosa said the injunction that led to the enactment of the Broad-Based Black economic Empowerment Act 20 years ago. 

“And to give effect to the core goals of that legislation, the government formally launched the black industrialist programme in 2016. 

“This programme is part of the broader effort to expand South Africa’s industrial base, especially in new and growth industries,” Ramaphosa said.

“While affirmative action in the economy aims to redress the damage of the past, it is also sound economics. 

“It broadens the base of entrepreneurship, it opens the economy to more talents and capabilities, it encourages innovation and expands