The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on South Africans to support its Economic Inclusion for All Bill.
The party, which wants to replace Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) with its new legislation, unveiled a billboard in Johannesburg on Tuesday, declaring that BEE has failed.
Hoping to rally support for its petition to scrap BEE, the DA argued that the current system has primarily benefited “politically connected individuals.”
ZILLE SLAMS BEEE
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the DA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate, Helen Zille, said poverty can be measured, making race an unnecessary proxy.
“We can design our policies to help the poor up the ladder, not re-enrich an already obscenely enriched elite, and that is the choice facing South Africa. We hope more and more people will choose the path that leads to economic prosperity,” Zille said.
The party stated that the billboard captures the choice South Africans face to continue down the “same failed path” or “choose real opportunities.”
According to the DA, BEE has failed to deliver on its promise of empowerment. The party claims that 12 million citizens are unable to find employment, while 44 million struggle to put food on the table.
Through the implementation of its plan, detailed in the Gazetted bill, the DA aims to create jobs and reduce poverty.
“We must replace the African National Congress’ [ANC’s] race-based system with one that truly includes everyone. That is why the DA has introduced the Economic Inclusion for All Bill, which rewards job creation, skills development, and real community investment instead of political connections,” the party said.
DA PLANS TO CHANGE POLICY
The DA added that its approach focuses on need, fairness, and tangible empowerment, supporting small businesses and building local economies.
BEE was introduced in 2003 to advance economic transformation and increase the economic participation of previously disadvantaged people. Under the BEE Act, the term “Black People” is defined broadly to include Africans, Coloureds, and Indians.
