Mashatile reaffirms commitment to BBBEE

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening broad-based Black economic empowerment (BBBEE).

Mashatile was speaking on persistent economic inequalities three decades into democracy, during the second frank dialogue in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.

The deputy president acknowledged that while Triple-BEE remains vital for inclusive growth, its implementation has faced inconsistencies, fronting, weak enforcement, and procurement practices that often sideline Black-owned businesses.

He has emphasised that policy credibility depends on tangible outcomes, not just paper-based compliance.

Mashatile says abandoning the programme is not an option.

He announced a two-phase evaluation of the framework, led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition under minister Parks Tau.

"The aim is clear: refine and reinforce the policy so that it drives transformation, reduces corruption, and promotes inclusive, broad-based growth. Despite its shortcomings, BBBEE has led to measurable progress in inclusion, notably evidenced by the growth of the Black middle class and advancements in industries such as mining and finance.”

Mashatile adds that the review intends to close governing gaps, strengthen monitoring and enforcement, and ensure empowerment turns into real economic participation.