DA calls for BEE to be scrapped, blames policy for SA’s woes

By Thebe Mabanga

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally called for the scrapping of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), including all references in legislation, and the dissolution of the BEE Commission within 12 months.

The party blames the policy for South Africa’s high unemployment, poverty, corruption, hunger, and malnutrition.

In its place, the DA proposes the Economic Inclusion for All Bill, which focuses on preferential procurement, especially by the State, and specifically targets Section 217 of the Constitution, which calls for fairness and transparency in the procurement of goods.

“This bill aims to replace years of ineffective ANC empowerment policies that have left the majority of South Africans unemployed, impoverished, and hopeless,” said Mat Cuthbert, a seasoned public policy expert who serves as the Head of Policy.

The party claims the proposal aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), though it does not specify which goals or cite examples of other countries