DA unveils Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment reform plan

Kgomotso Modise (in for Aubrey Masango) speaks to political analyst Hlumelo Xaba.

Listen below:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has unveiled a series of reforms to transformation policies.

During a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, the party presented its alternatives to various pieces of legislation, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), the Employment Equity Act, and the Expropriation Act.

"BBBEE and racial quotas have failed, and together with expropriation without compensation, create an environment that deters investment, growth and job creation for the majority of South Africans,” Steenhuisen said.

He said such policies are driving investors away from South Africa.

According to Xaba, it's another example of 'the DA being the DA'.

ALSO READ: Black Economic Empowerment: For a connected elite, or effective transformation device?

"The DA does not really have a history of advocating for any progressive policies that seek to address people who come from the previously disadvantaged demographic."

- Hlumelo Xaba, political analyst

Xaba adds that it is no surprise that the DA  has these policies.

'I'll take you back to a time where the DA was actually anti the social grant... they only changed their stance... to suit their posture towards Black South Africans who are the main beneficiaries of these social grants."

- Hlumelo Xaba, political analyst

The DA, however, sought to stress that it is not against redress and transformation, but argues that current legislation is counterproductive.

LISTEN: CapeTalk listeners share their views on Black Economic Empowerment

While Xaba is critical of the DA and its position on transformation policies, he is equally critical of BBB-EE in its current form.

"[BBB-EE] only seeks to benefit a few elite that are politically connected."

- Hlumelo Xaba, political analyst

"But it's something that can be reviewed to also seek to benefit the larger demographic."

- Hlumelo Xaba, political analyst

Steenhuisen argues that fixing the public sector is key to offering an alternative to current policies.

It's about getting the basics right, he said on Monday.

Time to scrap BBB-EE? Listen to the full conversation by scrolling up to the audio player.