Lamola denounces Bozell’s insinuation that BEE is ‘reverse racism’

Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola said Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is not “reverse racism” as insinuated by United States (US) ambassador Brent Bozell.

Lamola defended the African National Congress (ANC)’s flagship policy after Bozell criticised the legislation and demanded that South Africa scrap the equity law.

He was addressing a media briefing on Wednesday on geopolitical developments like the war in Iran and the country’s relations with the US.

ALSO READ: Lamola addresses Middle East conflict and diplomatic tensions with the US

Lamola on Wednesday responded to Bozell’s demands to the South African government, which included the scrapping of BEE.

Bozell also does not want South Africa to implement its expropriation of land legislation.

But Lamola said there’s nothing wrong with BEE, one of the country’s redress policies, and it won't be done away with.

“We reiterate that BEE is not reverse racism as regrettably insinuated by the ambassador. It is a fundamental instrument designed to address the structural imbalances of South Africa’s unique history.”