BEE Codes: ANC intensifies the economic war against minorities

 "The ANC has with the amendment of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act and accompanying B-BBEE codes, intensified the economic war against minorities, and especially white men," Adv. Anton Alberts, the parliamentary spokesperson on Trade and Industry says.

This amendment, which has sent shockwaves through the business community, will come into effect this Friday already.

Adv. Alberts says the codes now require, amongst others, that enterprises should be 40% empowered which means that many existing enterprises which had met the requirements of the previous codes will now lose their status.

He said the statements by Xolani Qubeka, the chief executive officer of the Black Business Board that the war is not over yet and that attention should also be given to the changing of the government's procurement regulations in order to assist black enterprises, is especially worrying.

"This characterization of the struggle is indicative of the real nature of B-BBEE as a war against minorities which translates into a de jure or legalized attack on the economic rights of whites and a de facto attack on brown people.

"The fact that the codes will already become effective on Friday and that no provision has been made for public input, creates an enormous problem.

"This unilateral enforcement of draconian rules which could cause great damage to the economy is probably unconstitutional and the FF Plus will obtain legal advice about this and will also request the minister in writing to subject the codes to public input.

"The FF Plus will also raise this issue in the parliamentary portfolio committee for trade and industry and will insist on being informed as to the reason why these codes were not submitted to the public for inspection and to provide input," Adv. Alberts said.

According to Adv. Alberts, the FF Plus is still of the opinion that B-BBEE is hampering the economy and that it is unconstitutional in its totality as there is no proof that it is working.

The party will therefore be launching an action in due course where the public will be able to make their displeasure with this policy of the ANC known.

Statement issued by Adv. Anton Alberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Trade and Industry, October 7 2013

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