Mashatile defends B-BBEE as essential tool for constitutional equality and growth

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) has delivered significant progress despite implementation challenges, citing growth in the black middle class and gains in the mining and finance sectors.

Speaking at the Second Frank Dialogue in Durban yesterday, Mashatile referenced the B-BBEE Commission’s 2022 National Status Report, which shows stable, though uneven, improvements in ownership, management control, skills development, and supplier transformation.

He emphasised that B-BBEE, along with policies such as affirmative action and employment equity, remains constitutionally grounded and necessary to address ongoing inequality.

Citing Statistics South Africa data, Mashatile noted that fourth-quarter unemployment in 2025 stood at 31.4%, with youth unemployment at a staggering 57% among those aged 15 to 24. He also referenced World Bank findings, pointing out that inequality in South Africa remains extreme.

The Deputy President highlighted that while progress exists, the pace of change for vulnerable groups is insufficient.

“Programme directors, as we fight unemployment, we must also focus on employment equity, which remains essential. The Commission for Employment Equity has noted persistent gaps, including that representation of Persons with Disabilities has remained around 1% over many years, showing how slow real inclusion can be without stronger delivery.”