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Duma Gqubule | 13 January 2026 Flawed methodologies behind mining’s empowerment claims. In his 2024 state of the nation address President Cyril Ramaphosa said the participation of black people in the mining industry was increasing. “Black ownership stands at approximately 39% ... compared with 2% in 2004,” he said. Last month, during a discussion about Anglo American’s merger with Canadian company Teck Resources, which I opposed and he supported, mining minister Gwede Mantashe repeated the fake 39% statistic. The measurement of black ownership has lost all credibility, and this should be the first priority during trade, industry & competition minister Parks Tau’s review of broad-based BEE (BBBEE) policies. This is due to fatal policy mistakes the government made when drafting the BEE codes and sector charters, especially in mining and finance. There has also been a proliferation of fake statistics about black ownership, which have polluted public discourse. The maze of conflicting statistics has confused the public. The measurement of black ownership has lost all credibility, and this should be the first priority during trade, industry & competition minister Parks Tau’s review of broad-based BEE policies. In 2022 the BBBEE Commission said JSE companies had an average black ownership of 39% in 2021. At the end of December 2021, the JSE had a market capitalisation of R20.5-trillion. The 39% finding implied that black people owned assets worth R8-trillion, which was obviously impossible and should not even be debated. The commission must tell the public that it is not measuring actual black ownership but something else. We have a serious problem if the government cannot measure black ownership or if the rules allow it to make such bizarre findings. Last year Wits University professor William Gumede said R1-trillion had been transferred to about 100 politically connected people by 2008. Yet my analysis of three excellent databases that have tracked such information shows that there were BEE transactions worth R345bn between 1994 and 2008. Anyone with an elementary knowledge of such things knows that most transactions during the first wave of BEE unravelled during the late 1990s in the wake of an emerging market crisis. Many other BEE transactions did not transfer ownership to black people, and most beneficiaries were not politically connected. Ramaphosa took the 39% statistic from a Minerals Council report that did not explain the methodologies it used to make the finding or publish information for each company. This is not surprising because the Mining Charter is a shambles of a document that betrays from start to finish every principle of empowerment that the country has developed over many years. The “once empowered, always empowered” principle makes a mockery of empowerment. The charter has no rules or scorecard with definitions on how to measure ownership. It has no mechanism to independently verify the BEE contributions of companies. Mining is the only sector where companies do not have to produce a BEE certificate from an independent verification agency. The “once empowered, always empowered” principle makes a mockery of empowerment. An analogy to explain this absurd principle is that companies can continue to recognise black directors in perpetuity after they have left a board. A “whites only” board can therefore count as empowered. The charter has no rules on how to measure or monitor net value that accrues to black shareholders after they have settled their debt. The industry believes in a voetstoots sale of production to black shareholders with no obligations to ensure they transfer net value. It considers the signing of a transaction as the achievement of the target. But under the BEE codes the achievement of the target is a 10-year process, not an event. Full compliance can be achieved only when net value has been transferred. Any measurement of black ownership that uses the charter is not credible. Tau’s review of BEE must abolish this sham of a charter and align it with national policies. • Gqubule is an adviser on economic development and transformation. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.businessday.co.za/opinion/2026-01-13-duma-gqubule-bee-statistics-lack-credibility-by-any-measure/

Marcus Moloko | 12 January 2026 SpaceX founder and chief executive Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of South Africa’s telecommunications rules, claiming his satellite internet service Starlink is being kept out of the country because he is “not black”. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk said: “Starlink is not allowed to have an internet provider license in South Africa for the sole reason that I am not black. This is not OK.” Musk’s comments followed his appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum in 2025, where he condemned laws that give preferential treatment based on race. Musk, who has the largest stake in SpaceX, said that South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules, which require 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, have prevented Starlink from launching. The billionaire said he is “extremely opposed to any anti-black and anti-white laws,” insisting that South Africa now has “more anti-white laws than there were anti-black laws under Apartheid”. He maintains that Starlink supports equity equivalents, pointing to a R500 million pledge to provide free internet to 5,000 rural schools as part of its commitment to social upliftment. In December 2025, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi issued a policy directive that formally recognised Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as valid alternatives to the rigid 30% direct ownership requirements under South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. The directive was designed to attract multinational investment in the ICT sector by allowing companies to contribute through large-scale social and infrastructure projects rather than ceding equity. Malatsi emphasised that EEIPs could accelerate broadband access and digital inclusion, noting that over 90% of public submissions supported the reform. For Starlink, which has pledged R500 million to provide free internet to 5,000 rural schools, the directive appeared to create a pathway to compliance without restructuring SpaceX’s ownership model. Despite this policy, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has yet to implement the directive, leaving Starlink’s licensing prospects in limbo. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://insidepolitic.co.za/watch-elon-musk-slams-sa-laws-as-starlink-still-grounded-over-not-black-hurdle/

Although entering into an Enterprise or Supplier Development loan contract is generally done with the best intentions, some loans issued will inevitably be defaulted on or, in the worst case, a Beneficiary will refuse to repay it. When giving a loan, an organisation has the full rights of recovery; however, this has to be clear in the terms and conditions. First and foremost, a loan must take the form of a debt instrument; thus, it must never be a grant disguised as a loan.   Any loan made with the intention of not receiving repayment of the capital amount is not a loan but a grant and must be claimed as such. Consequently, claiming a loan under Enterprise or Supplier Development instead of a grant is Fronting Practice.   However, if a beneficiary fails to repay a bona fide loan, an organisation may offer a Beneficiary a grant which will allow them to repay the loan. Otherwise, an organisation can write off the loan or follow the legal route based on the terms and conditions of a particular loan.   Enterprise & Supplier Development Services are available to guide Members to ensure their contracts align with the requirements of the relevant B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.

A B-BBEE Code of Good Practice is a framework of measurement on a Measured Entity scores points to achieve a specific B-BBEE Status Level. It consists of all principles, calculations, and methodologies on how this is executed.   As per Clause 3 of Statement 000 of the Amended General B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice , the following is stated:   3.      APPLICATION OF THE CODES 3.1    The   following Entities are measurable under the Codes:   3.1.1       all Organs of State and Public Entities; 3.1.2       all Measured Entities that undertake any economic activity with all Organs of State and Public Entities; 3.1.3       any other Measured Entity that undertakes any economic activity, whether direct or indirect, with any other Measured Entity that is subject to measurement under paragraph 3.1.1 to 3.1.2 and which is seeking to establish its own B-BBEE compliance.   Technical Services  are on hand to assist with the understanding of the above.

Statistics South Africa is the source used to determine the Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) for calculating the targets for Enterprise Development, Supplier Development and Socio-Economic Development. The latest statistics  were published during December 2025. The statistics in this version will be for the   3 rd  quarter of 2025.   Any B-BBEE Verification from hereon would most commonly apply the latest Industry Norms  published by Statistics South Africa. For example, if a B-BBEE Verification takes place in January 2026, the latest published stats to be used would be those posted during December 2025.   Technical Compliance Services  are available to guide members in calculating their Targets.

Tara Roos | 6 January 2026 Land reform and rural development minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has disclosed that forensic audits into farm equity schemes are happening, with the department pursuing fund recovery and considering further investigations into corruption. This follows a written question in the National Assembly by MK MP Andile Mngxitama, who asked what measures are in place to address corruption benefiting white farmers and to secure justice for farmworkers. Farm equity schemes were introduced to broaden ownership in commercial agriculture by allocating shares to farmworkers, often through trusts or joint ventures. The intention was to deliver dividends, representation, and eventual tenure security. In practice, however, many schemes collapsed under weak governance. Workers were excluded from management decisions, dividends were withheld, and equity was diluted or sold off under questionable circumstances. These failures undermined constitutional obligations under section 25 of the Constitution to ensure equitable access to land and section 23 to protect labour rights. Nyhontso explained that the department shifted from equity schemes to the strengthening of relative rights programme, under which land was purchased by the state and leased to joint ventures between former owners and farmworkers. He acknowledged that the programme experienced shortcomings, prompting a forensic audit. The minister confirmed that recommendations are being implemented “by way of recovering the funds” and that further investigations into equity schemes will be considered to determine whether corruption occurred and to provide remedial action. He added that justice for farmworkers would be pursued where wrongdoing is found. The report by investigator Mpho Sebashe, referenced in Mngxitama’s parliamentary question, documented how farmworkers in the Northern Cape were misled into selling their shares for as little as R20 000 each, losing multimillion‑rand stakes in 22 commercial farms. Sebashe’s findings pointed to fronting practices and systemic corruption, with government departments slow to act on recommendations. His work has become central to demands that the department confront corruption benefiting white farmers and deliver restitution to workers who were stripped of promised equity. Nyhontso’s reply aligns with these concerns by committing to audits and recovery, but it stops short of publishing findings or detailing restitution mechanisms. The broader context is South Africa’s highly unequal agricultural sector. Formal surveys confirm that white farmers continue to produce the majority of key commercial crops, while black farmers’ contributions are often confined to household use and informal markets, leaving them under-represented in official data. Ownership disparities remain stark: the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy notes that more than 70% of farmland remains in white hands, while black ownership accounts for less than 10%. Stats SA data shows that white commercial farmers dominate maize, wheat, and citrus production, while black farmers are concentrated in small‑scale livestock and household food security. These figures underscore why equity schemes were politically and constitutionally significant: they were meant to shift ownership patterns and embed transformation in commercial agriculture. Their failure and the corruption documented by Sebashe highlight how entrenched inequalities persist despite decades of reform initiatives. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/government-embarks-on-audits-into-farm-worker-equity-schemes/

Infrastructure News | 5 January 2026 Speaking at Water Wise’s Drop-by-Drop Water Conservation Outreach Project in Soweto – Nkanyezi Blose, project manager, EWSETA – highlights that communities are central to building a sustainable future. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) is one of South Africa’s 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established under the Skills Development Act. “We are proud to work together with all of these stakeholders to build a sustainable community in Soweto. When community members have access to skills and knowledge, they have the power to transform the environment, the economy and the future,” says Blose. EWSETA builds, plans and manages skills development and training in the energy and water sector. The organisation researches the skills needed for both sectors and implements learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and skills programmes in different communities and also collaborates with different government departments and organisations. Blose adds that townships in particular have a shortage of skilled and qualified water and sanitation artisans. “Municipalities often lack the skills to maintain infrastructure and detect and repair leaks. There is also a phenomenon where skilled people are retiring and leaving the workplace and we need people to replace them.” In the water space, EWSETA focuses on skills around water conservation and management, water quality and treatment, infrastructure maintenance, wastewater treatment, water reuse and recycling, water monitoring and data management. “We don’t only need scientists and engineers. For every young person who hasn’t made it to university, there is still a path forward: technical training, on-the-job experience, entrepreneurial development. We believe that everyone can learn a skill. Everyone can build something. And it is these skills that will build a new tomorrow,” concludes Blose. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://infrastructurenews.co.za/2026/01/05/empowering-communities-through-skills-for-a-sustainable-water-future/

Fast Company Contributor | 6 January 2026 Elon Musk’s SpaceX has unleashed one of the most ambitious consumer broadband experiments in history, beaming high-speed internet from low-Earth orbit via its Starlink satellite constellation. Globally, the service now counts millions of subscribers across roughly 100 markets. Yet in Africa, a region where affordable, reliable internet could transform economies, Starlink’s rollout is proving far more turbulent than the hype suggested. Africa: A Market Full of Potential — and Complex Challenges Starlink doubled its footprint in Africa in 2024, adding several countries to its coverage map. But for every successful launch in places like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Zimbabwe, the company has had to push back launch plans for many more, and even withdraw services entirely in some markets. Overwhelming user demand has outpaced network capacity in many regions. In parts of Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana and elsewhere, users saw new subscriptions paused for months as satellite bandwidth hit constraints. While some cities have since reopened registration, access remains limited in major hubs like Abuja, Lagos, Nairobi and Harare. Regulation: The Central Obstacle in South Africa Perhaps nowhere is Starlink’s Africa trouble more obvious than here in SA.  Despite early excitement, Starlink still has no formal licence to operate locally, a position that has left its service in legal limbo for years. South Africans have long exploited a workaround by buying hardware and signing up using foreign roaming plans , but regulators have now cracked down on this grey market According to MyBroadband, SpaceX has begun suspending services, warning customers they are operating in “unauthorised territory” pending local regulatory approval. The root cause? SA’s telecommunications licensing rules include requirements for participation by historically disadvantaged groups, a condition SpaceX’s global corporate structure has so far declined to meet. In late 2025, the Communications Ministry issued a policy directive encouraging the telecom regulator ICASA to update its licensing frameworks,  including recognition of Equity Equivalent Investment Programs (EEIPs). SpaceX says if ICASA adopts these changes, Starlink could be licensed within weeks, promising full compliance with South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements.  But implementation is the key: ICASA must still act to amend its regulations. Collateral Damage: Disconnection and Customer Hardship The regulatory standoff has real consequences for end-users: Service cut-offs — South Africans on roaming plans have faced abrupt suspensions, according to TechAfrica News. Illegal resellers shut down — Unauthorised distributors that once promised kits and connectivity have collapsed, leaving many customers without service or migration support.  Broader African Headwinds South Africa is not alone. Uganda’s regulator has compelled Starlink to block all terminals nationwide after finding the service lacked a licence. And in neighbouring Namibia, authorities ordered Starlink to cease operations while a licence review remains pending.  Regulatory uncertainty, spectrum allocation issues, and debates over local economic participation are recurring themes across the continent, and they underscore how different African markets are rewriting the rules for global tech entrants. Starlink’s setbacks illustrate a larger truth: Africa’s digital divide isn’t simply a problem of technology, but of policy, economics and local control. For all its potential to bridge connectivity gaps, Starlink is still learning, sometimes the hard way, that scaling next-generation infrastructure across a diverse continent requires far more than satellites in orbit. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.businessday.co.za/companies/2026-01-06-starlink-pushes-potential-customers-to-pressure-icasa-to-change-empowerment-regulations/

Molefe Seeletsa | 5 January 2026 The ANC veteran urged them to take initiative and actively seek employment, rather than basking in the sun. Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has come under fire after suggesting that South Africans have become overly reliant on the state. His remarks, made during an interview on Sunday ahead of the ANC’s 8 January birthday celebrations, have sparked widespread debate online. Mantashe argued that the ANC has often downplayed its achievements, citing initiatives such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas), which has enabled underprivileged children to graduate. He also highlighted the party’s role in building a social security system to support the most vulnerable. “We don’t talk about that,” Mantashe told SABC News . Mantashes claims ANC created a ‘passive society’ Comparing South Africa to China, Mantashe claimed the ANC committed a mistake by developing a “passive society” where citizens expect the government to solve problems for them. “The difference is that Chinese people put their skin in the fire. “South Africa has developed a theory of delivery, which means you sit back, you sit in the sun and expect the state to deliver, and people are not involved,” the ANC national chairperson said. He said greater citizen participation could help the country reach its potential. Mantashe expressed pride in the ANC’s strides in government since 1994, but seemed to criticise citizens for not making full use of the opportunities provided. “I am happy that we have delivered. We have changed the outlook of the country. “I am unhappy that many of our people don’t use the advantages of an ANC government. Instead, they expect that government to take them there.” He cited the example of a young woman from the Eastern Cape who studied to become a pharmacist through Nsfas funding, but struggled to find a job. Using an analogy, the minister claimed he reminded the woman that the ANC provided her with the tools, but it cannot do the work for her. “I said to her, ‘The ANC has given you a fishing rod; it must now catch fish for you,’ and she says, ‘No, I never looked at it from that angle.'” ‘They don’t look for jobs themselves’ Mantashe emphasised the ANC government’s policies have inadvertently fostered passivity, drawing from his own experience with a community farming project in his hometown of Cala in Eastern Cape. “Many thought that was a government project, but it was my project. I was ploughing the land for villages and said to them, young people must participate in the production of maize. “They refused. They wanted me to rent the piece of land. They didn’t want to be part of the project until after three years. I said, ‘If you are not part of the project, then I give up on the project.’ I gave up.” He described the lack of engagement as “a big disappointment”. “They don’t want to be part of the improvement, and I’m unhappy about that. I would prefer a society that is doing things themselves.” Mantashe urged South Africans to take greater responsibility for solving national challenges rather than relying on government. “We must all be part of the solution and not depend on the state or the ANC for solutions. The more people get involved, the better the country will be.” Reflecting on his own life, Mantashe noted: “I am now over 70. I’ve never had a government looking for a job for me. “The difference is that today, because there is a progressive government, people expect that government to go and give them jobs. They don’t look for jobs themselves, and that must change.” “Let’s move out of being a parcel society and become an active society,” the ANC veteran added. Social media backlash Mantashe’s comments have drawn criticism on social media. Former public protector and MK party member Busisiwe Mkhwebane condemned his remarks, saying he is out of touch with the realities of unemployment and poverty. “Gwede Mantashe, if you can know how many applications the unemployed graduates and those who are not qualified, you will never utter such irresponsible statement. “Your family and those close to you are not exposed to the poverty and unemployment our families are going through. “You are so distant to reality and it is sad. #unemployment #poverty and #inequality,” Mkhwebane posted on X. Defending BEE Earlier in the interview, Mantashe defended black economic empowerment (BEE) amid criticism of the policy over the past year. “I’m not expecting a John Steenhuisen to be a fan of the ANC. I still expect them to say, ‘BEE is not right for us’ because they prefer white supremacy.” He argued that entrepreneurship is not created by politics but by individuals. “The loose talk that people who get benefits from BEE are connected politically, which is a farce, actually. Politics don’t create entrepreneurs,” Mantashe remarked. He added: “Entrepreneurs are born, and they develop their own skills and develop into big empires, and we must do that as black South Africans and not expect to be given gifts called wealth. That is not a gift.” ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.citizen.co.za/news/mantashe-south-africans-dependent-government-jobs/

Mthobisi Nozulela | 8 December 2025 Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has revealed that hundreds of companies that were flagged for blacklisting by the government are still under review, with only 18 formally restricted so far. This comes as the government looks to crack down on corruption, fraud, and non-performance in public procurement. Last month, the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, also said that 40 contractors had been blacklisted since June 2024, compared with just one over the previous 22 years. Godongwana said that the National Treasury cannot blacklist suppliers on its own and can only act once the affected government departments submit complete and legally compliant requests. "On 20 September 2025, a list of 509 referrals was received by the National Treasury from the Presidency. Of the referrals, 18 have been blacklisted, and 491 are still under review," Godongwana said. Godongwana also explained that delays in blacklisting are largely procedural, with some departments submitting incomplete information or failing to comply with legal requirements. "These companies were either restricted or referred back (as per the attached list on question 1 above) due to non-compliance with legislative requirements such as the Instruction Notes, General Conditions of Contract, and Preferential Procurement Regulations. However, several organs of state have yet to submit their request for restrictions to National Treasury". He added that the Treasury’s role is limited to administering the system rather than initiating action. "It should be noted that National Treasury does not initiate the restriction but facilitates the process of loading the restriction on the database of restricted suppliers". "The process is initiated by the organs of state, and in the absence of requests from the organs of state, National Treasury cannot restrict the affected suppliers, though SIU has issued a report, organs of state must still follow the restriction process". ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://iol.co.za/business/2025-12-08-more-than-500-companies-face-possible-blacklisting-in-south-africa/

SAHRC | 3 December 2025 Today we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme speaks directly to South Africa’s ongoing journey. Our Constitution guarantees the rights, dignity and equal protection of all people. Yet for many persons with disabilities, these rights remain unrealised in daily life. South Africa has strong policies and a substantial legal framework on disability such as the Constitution, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Real progress depends on turning commitments into action and ensuring participation, accessibility and equal opportunity across every sector of society. This will not happen if we work in silos. Government, civil society, the private sector and communities must move together with shared purpose and accountability. Disability inclusion demands coordination, not fragmentation. The Commission is concerned that South Africa does not have a comprehensive legal framework for persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities continue to be systematically discriminated. Our monitoring work and complaints trends have revealed that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination in the country in the form of stigma, lack of disability accessibility tools such as ramps, sign language interpretation, lack of wheelchairs and translation of materials to brail. As a result, the Commission has prioritised the rights of persons with disabilities to develop mechanisms to create awareness, lobby, empower and protect their rights.  The South African Human Rights Commission has taken steps to strengthen oversight and participation by establishing a Section 11 Disability Committee in terms of SAHRC Act 40 of 2013. This committee brings together representative voices from the disability sector and serves as a mechanism to guide, monitor and advance the realisation of rights. In terms of the Un Convention CRPD the Commission is required to set up an Independent Monitoring Mechanism. It is an imperative in compliance with the UN Convention on CRPD. The Commission has developed concept note which is being considered by the full cohort of commissioners. The Commission stands ready to contribute to the national effort. It is our hope that the necessary funding is secured so this mechanism can operate effectively and carry out its mandate. On this day we affirm that disability inclusion is not an act of goodwill but a constitutional imperative. It is a measure of the kind of society we aspire to be. We must build a country where persons with disabilities are not spoken for but are active participants in policymaking, development and leadership. We honour the contributions, resilience and knowledge of persons with disabilities, and we recommit to our mandate which is to protect, promote and monitor human rights and the culture thereof. In line with the Theme: True social progress requires that no one is left behind and that every barrier fallen becomes a step forward for all. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://sahrc.org.za/index.php/sahrc-media/news-2/item/4407-media-statement-south-african-human-rights-commission-commemorates-international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities

TygerBurger | 3 December 2025 CAPE TOWN – South African workplaces are failing to deliver on the promise of inclusion for persons with disabilities, despite legal obligations under the Employment Equity Act (EEA) and global commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). According to the 25th Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Report, persons with disabilities make up only 1.4% of the workforce, well below the national 3% target. Representation at senior levels is even lower — 1% in top management and 1.3% in senior management. Only 1% of promotions go to employees with disabilities, leaving many talented individuals with limited opportunities for career progression. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Prof Armand Bam, head of social impact at Stellenbosch Business School, warns that business-as-usual is no longer acceptable and that meaningful action is urgently needed. Globally, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) confirms that persons with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled persons. “Disability inclusion is not charity, it’s a legal requirement and a matter of social justice,” says Bam. “When disabled employees rarely see themselves in leadership roles, it reinforces the damaging stereotype that persons with disabilities are not leadership material.” Bam emphasises that intersectionality is critical: “A Black woman with a disability faces layered marginalisation such as racialised, gendered and ableist barriers. Organisations must recognise these compounded disadvantages if they are to achieve true inclusion.” South Africa’s stagnant 1.4% workforce representation shows that awareness alone is not enough. “Organisations must move from compliance to measurable action, embedding disability into strategy, policy, and leadership culture. Immediate practical steps can make a real difference: accessible communications, ergonomically adjustable workstations, and inclusive procurement are all implementable today,” says Bam. Systemic change needed He says that even with legal protections, the daily experience of employees with disabilities is shaped by structural and cultural barriers. This includes persistent bias, particularly against invisible, psychosocial, or episodic disabilities and high rates of non-disclosure due to fear of stigma or job loss. According to Bam, over 60% of workers with invisible disabilities choose not to disclose globally. Digital and physical inaccessibility, worsened by rapid technological adoption, and limited participation in decision-making, and lower confidence and higher turnover intention, play a role too. “Globally, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) confirms that persons with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled persons, a reality reflected in South Africa’s stagnating workforce representation.” Prof Bam notes that inclusion is more than compliance and that it requires systemic change. He says that common obstacles include managers lacking knowledge about disability rights and accommodations, and HR systems and workplace cultures that fail to integrate disability into mainstream strategy. Inclusion strategies “Meaningful inclusion requires a shift from tokenistic interventions to systemic redesign, from “fixing the person” to fixing the environment, and from reactive compliance to proactive universal design. In addition, persons with disabilities must participate in decisions that affect them. This is the only way to create workplaces that are equitable and just.” Prof Bam says that there are key strategies that organisations can actively drive. These include transparent, fast and employee-friendly accommodation processes; accessibility audits of buildings, websites and digital systems; flexible hours, hybrid working, and sensory-friendly spaces; integrating disability into KPIs, reporting, leadership development and procurement and mandatory disability confidence training for managers. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://novanews.co.za/sa-workplaces-are-failing-persons-with-disabilities-says-academic/