TLU SA takes note of the Democratic Alliance’s proposed Economic Inclusion for All Bill, which aims to replace the current Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy with a new, needs-based system of economic inclusion.
As an organisation that has always opposed any form of race-based legislation, TLU SA welcomes the renewed public discussion about true equality and inclusive economic growth. The past two decades have clearly shown that BEE, in its current form, has not reduced poverty or created sustainable jobs, but has rather led to widespread mismanagement, corruption, and political favouritism.
According to TLU SA, the South African economy should be built on merit, skills, and genuine contribution to development, not on race or political connections.
“TLU SA believes in equal opportunities for all, but true equality can never be achieved through discriminatory legislation,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA. “A system that judges people based on their race only further divides society and discourages genuine economic growth.”
The only sustainable way to address inequality, says TLU SA, is by promoting competence, honest work, productivity, and access to opportunities for everyone.
TLU SA emphasises that a healthy economic system can only function when people are willing to take economic responsibility. “Economic accountability and responsibility are the building blocks of growth,” says Van Zyl. “When people are given the space to work, to start businesses, and to produce independently, the whole country benefits.”
The organisation urges that any new policy or legislation must focus on alleviating poverty, encouraging entrepreneurship, and enabling small businesses, including farmers in all communities, to participate in the economy fairly and transparently.
TLU SA further stresses that state procurement and tender processes can only succeed if they are free from corruption and political interference, and if all participants are evaluated on an equal basis.
“South Africa needs policies that benefit the working person, not the connected elite,” says Van Zyl. “We cannot keep making the same mistake and expect a different outcome. Honesty, competence, and hard work must once again become the standard.”
TLU SA therefore calls on the government to abandon race-based criteria and instead promote policies that encourage economic participation, skills development, and sustainable growth for all.
