RAMAPHOSA FIGHTS FOR B-BBEE: "IT'S HERE TO STAY"

President Cyril Ramaphosa  has dug his heels in, declaring that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a cornerstone of South Africa's transformation agenda and won't be scrapped despite the Democratic Alliance's (DA) push to replace it with a new bill.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has dug his heels in, declaring that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a cornerstone of South Africa's transformation agenda and won't be scrapped despite the Democratic Alliance's (DA) push to replace it with a new bill.

Addressing Parliament, Ramaphosa emphasized that B-BBEE is an investment in sustainable growth, not a cost to the economy. He rebuked critics, stating that the constitution mandates government to redress past injustices and build an equal society, which can't be achieved without transforming the economy ³.

The DA's proposed Economic Inclusion For All Bill aims to remove B-BBEE provisions in public procurement processes, replacing them with a poverty-based system. However, Ramaphosa insists that B-BBEE remains essential to closing income gaps and redressing injustices.

The ANC has rejected the DA's proposal, labeling it "anti-transformation" and undermining B-BBEE progress. Deputy President Paul Mashatile reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to B-BBEE, stating it can't be dropped despite coalition dynamics.

The debate highlights tensions within the Government of National Unity, with the DA pushing for reforms and the ANC standing firm on B-BBEE. As the battle continues, one thing is clear: the fate of B-BBEE hangs in the balance.