DA wants to target ‘poverty over race’ in new policy to replace BEE

The Democratic Alliance is pushing to replace Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) with the Economic Inclusion for All Bill.

They argue that BEE has failed to reduce poverty, increase job creation, or boost the economy.

In a statement put out by the party, they say conditions for most South Africans have worsened since the introduction of BEE in 2003, and that the policy has only benefitted a select few politically connected individuals.

The Economic Inclusion for All Bill would amend the Public Procurement Amendment Act of 2024 to 'repeal all race-based preferential procurement provisions'.

The bill would target poverty as the ‘proxy for disadvantage’ rather than race.

Mat Cuthbert, DA head of policy, says that the DA acknowledges that the racism of the past has not been adequately redressed, but feels that focusing on poverty over race will go further in uplifting those who are disadvantaged.

“We need to call for the policy changes that are required to create an inclusive South Africa,” says Cuthbert.

To listen to Cuthbert in conversation with Mandy Wiener on the Midday Report on 702 and CapeTalk, use the audio player for more: