Hands off Our President; Anti -Transformation Forces, Warns BMF!
The Black Management Forum (BMF) stands by the correct context of the statement which was meant to ensure a wider and broader representation of all race groups in all nine provinces, in line with the national demographics of the country and as guided by the Employment Equity Act, said BMF Deputy President Tembakazi Mnyaka.
"Current publicity around Black Management Forum (BMF) President Jimmy Manyi's views on transformation in the Western Cape should not be allowed to obscure the deep-seated need for socio-economic justice, fairness and equity in the country" Mnyaka observed.
"The BMF has noted its president's unreserved apology for the offence caused by the interpretation of comments he made in a media interview a year ago. It has also noted the ruling party's repudiation of these wrongly interpreted remarks," Mnyaka continued
"The BMF is a dynamic forward looking organization entrusted with Socio-Economic Transformation and managerial leadership development as its primary focus areas." says BMF Managing Director Nomhle Nkumbi-Ndopu
"The BMF refuses to engage on these negative games. We appeal to all concerned to engage the public process on EEA amendments on any related matter of concern. The BMF as a non-racial organization and will continue to advocate its objectives unapologetically in line with its Transformation objective." Nkumbi-Ndopu elaborated.
Mnyaka asserts that, "rather than being a source of embarrassment, these developments serve as evidence of the robust and dynamic nature of our political culture."
These developments do not detract, in any way, from the BMF and Mr Manyi's commitment to building a non racial South Africa - and especially an economy - that reflects the demographics and values of South Africa as a whole, including the Western Cape.
The representation of coloureds in the BMF board is a clear vindication that coloured community is well embraced within the BMF ranks and therefore to suggest that he is racist is preposterous to say the least.
" At the same time the BMF notes with great concern the hypocrisy by Solidarity, The Freedom Front Plus and the Democratic Alliance that in the Western Cape, where coloured people are in the majority, but appointed to less than 10% of leadership or managerial posts in the province.
"The BMF, led by its president, will not be deterred from the transformation cause. Jimmy Manyi is a fearless campaigner who speaks his mind on national issues. South Africa needs more!" Mnyaka concluded.
Statement issued by the Black Management Forum, February 25 2011
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