Pretoria: Government has reaffirmed that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) remains a key policy instrument of the State. ‘The policy remains central to South Africa’s economic transformation and forms part of South Africa’s long-term strategy to redress historic injustices, broaden economic participation, and build a truly inclusive economy,’ said Acting Government spokesperson Sandile Nene on Tuesday.

According to South African Government News Agency, Nene explained that the B-BBEE Act followed all the prescribed requirements – from the drafting by the Department of Trade and Industry, through to parliamentary procedures, public consultations, presidential assent, and publication. ‘This Act is, therefore, a product of democratic processes. If any person requires a change of policy or law, then the appropriate channels and processes should be followed,’ he said.

Nene said as part of the Government of National Unity, all parties within this collective administration share a responsibility to advance policies that contribute to economic transformation and sustainable development. ‘B-BBEE, therefore, is not prejudiced. Rather, it is a constitutional and moral imperative rooted in South Africa’s commitment to equality, fairness and redress of the imbalances of the past. Despite the progress made over the past three decades, the disparities in ownership, management, and income distribution remain stark,’ Nene said.

The policy, Nene said, continues to serve as a mechanism through which government works to level the playing field, ensuring that the previously disadvantaged and discriminated South Africans, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are meaningfully included in the mainstream economy. ‘Importantly, the ongoing refinement of empowerment policies is part of government’s effort to ensure that implementation is effective, transparent, and aligned with national development priorities. The success of any economy rests with wider inclusion and participation of the masses of the population. Government remains steadfast in advancing an inclusive economy that works for all South Africans. The B-BBEE framework continues to be a central pillar in achieving this goal, addressing the inequalities of the past, while unlocking the potential of every citizen to contribute to South Africa’s growth and prosperity,’ Nene said.

The country’s empowerment laws, particularly the B-BBEE legal framework, have come under public and media debate over the past few months. In his weekly newsletter released in June this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that empowerment laws are practical, feasible and responsive to ‘economic conditions, without deviating from the objective of redressing the economic injustices’ of the past, when Africans and other people of colour were excluded from meaningful economic participation during apartheid.