South Africa’s Democratic Alliance proposes new bill to replace Black Economic Empowerment

(Photo: Michel Bega/The Citizen)

 

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), has introduced the Economic Inclusion for All Bill, a proposal aimed at replacing the country’s long-standing Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy.

The DA argues that since BEE’s introduction in 2003, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has used it to enrich politically connected elites rather than address deep-rooted inequality or improve access to economic opportunities for ordinary South Africans.

DA Member of Parliament Mat Cuthbert said the new framework seeks to promote inclusion based on disadvantage rather than race, focusing on job creation, small business growth, and fair access to state contracts.

“For two decades, BEE has failed to deliver empowerment. It’s become a tool for corruption and patronage,” Cuthbert said. “Our bill puts all disadvantaged South Africans at the center of economic reform — not the politically connected few.”

The ANC has defended BEE as an essential mechanism for correcting apartheid-era economic disparities, while critics argue that it has deepened inequality by benefiting a small elite. The DA’s proposal is expected to face significant pushback in parliament.