Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 15-10-2017
The South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) says a proposal to reshape BEE policies being spearheaded in KwaZulu-Natal to benefit “Black Africans” is regressive, with others saying it has the potential to inflame historic tensions and widen racial divisions.
The Sunday Times reports that Indian’s, coloured’s and Chinese could be blocked from state contracts of more than R 50 million in a bid to reshape the KZN empowerment landscape.
The paper reports the proposal is being spearheaded by KZN Economic Development MEC Sihle Zikalala and has already been sent to treasury director general Dondo Mogojane in August.
The Sunday Times also reports the bid is being seen as a possible template for sweeping change to incorporate the objectives of radical economic transformation being touted by president Jacob Zuma.
It’s reported that the proposal is in line with “Operation Vula”, a provincial plan to accelerate BEE, which Zuma has endorsed.
SAMNET’s Dr. Faizel Sulimen told the paper the bid is regressive.
“There is no doubt that apartheid was a tier system and the Indians and coloreds were not badly affected as black Africans…But it sends the wrong signal and is an incorrect way to address redress.”
Suliman says he believes statistics will show those who benefitted from government contracts were politically connected.
“We all want to see the distribution of wealth to the people, particularly the previously disadvantaged, but not to people linked to comrades of any political affiliation.
BEE legislation, such as the broad based BEE act and preferential procurement policy framework act, defines black as Indians, colored, Chinese who were in South Africa before 1994, and black Africans.
0 Comments