DA doubles down: Race-based policies fail to address apartheid's legacy

The Democrartic Alliance (DA) said it has maintained a firm stance on race-based policies since the 1990s, arguing they are not the best measure to address the remnants of apartheid and colonialism.

On Tuesday, the party unveiled a large billboard along the N1 highway, stating that the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy has only enriched African National Congress (ANC) elites and left the country poor.

The DA is attempting to push its Public Procurement Amendment Bill into law, which would effectively repeal BEE.

READ: DA claims poor fare better in its municipalities, unveils controversial BEE billboard

RACIAL ECONOMIC DISPARITY PERSISTS

Data from Statistics South Africa and the Commission for Employment Equity shows white people at the top of most key economic metrics.

Despite accounting for only about 8% of the population in the country, white people:

• Own the most private land
• Occupy 61% of all top management positions in companies
• Generally have more household income than any other race group

DA FEDERAL COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON HELEN ZILLE ON TRANSFORMATION

The DA's Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, said race-based policies have not benefited everyone.

"We absolutely recognise the terrible legacy of the past and we absolutely strive for transformation, including land ownership. We are in favour of land ownership for all in SA and our policies speak to that.”

Zille states the focus should shift from race to poverty alleviation for all.