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Malcolm Libera | 28 April 2026 Taxpayers have been warned that the National Treasury’s newly proposed procurement regulations will drive up costs, reduce competition, and ultimately lead to a higher tax burden. This month, the National Treasury has published the draft General Public Procurement Regulations for public comment. The policy in its current form could lead to sweeping changes to procurement legislation and black economic empowerment (BEE) in South Africa. These regulations, if passed, will bring into effect the Public Procurement Act, which President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to in July 2024. Under the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, companies that wish to do business with the government must demonstrate that a large percentage of their prior procurements were with majority-black-owned businesses. Specifically, the regulations state that companies must show that at least 40% of their prior procurement was spent on enterprises that are at least 51% owned and managed by black persons. Speaking in an interview with BizNews, Democratic Alliance (DA) finance spokesperson Mark Burke said the new regulations will lead to poor value for the South African taxpayer and for local service delivery. He added that the measures are “completely unnecessary” and “exactly the opposite of what the country needs at this juncture.” Burke explained that whenever someone does business with the state, they must conform to a specific type of ownership and management structure to bid competitively. While governments often negotiate lower prices from suppliers, he said the new system flips that logic. “You go from asking for a discount to being willing to overpay because you’ve got these silly requirements,” he said. He warned that this would significantly shrink the pool of suppliers. He argued that, by implication, the government can procure only a small portion of the whole pie, which means they’ll end up overpaying for services. Taxpayers will have to foot a larger bill According to Burke, the regulations will entrench inefficiencies in an already strained economy. He said businesses are already operating in a tough environment with their hands tied behind their backs. He cited unreliable electricity, logistics challenges, and rigid labour conditions as examples of this, and added that further structural requirements will deter business in the country. He further argued that the system risks fuelling corruption and cronyism. It will lead to “the sort of corruption we’re already seeing”, where procurement benefits the elite, connected few rather than the broader population. For taxpayers, Burke warned that the financial consequences will be widespread. “Toilet paper will become more expensive. Tunnels will become more expensive, and everything in between will become more expensive as a result of this,” he said. He linked this directly to growing frustration among South Africans, noting that many already feel overtaxed and underserved. “If you speak to anybody contributing to the tax base, they don’t feel like they’re getting massive value for money. In fact, they feel the opposite.” This means taxpayers will have to foot a larger bill for the government to perform its basic functions, as those increased costs will require more revenue to be squeezed from a stagnant economy. This is on top of the existing cost of BEE in South Africa, with research from the Free Market Foundation showing that it already costs the economy R290 billion in direct compliance costs and lost economic activity. The DA is now challenging the regulations on multiple fronts. Burke noted that the party has taken the matter to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. The party is also preparing to oppose the regulations in Parliament and raise public awareness. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/858549/taxpayers-to-pay-more-to-fund-south-africas-new-bee-rules/

Nompu Siziba | 23 April 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on business to do more on its part to empower particularly the country’s youth in being more work ready, given the current educational mismatch in terms of skills and industries. The President was giving the keynote address at the National Business Initiative’s (NBI) 30th birthday celebration taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday. The President praises the NBI for pioneering initiatives that have supported transformation, the improvement of service delivery and spearheading skills development programmes. Ramaphosa says the organisation made a significant contribution to the democratic project of the country in the early 1990s and was driven by a progressive mentality that sought to benefit wider society. “It actively supported the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and mobilised private sector support for the Reconstruction and Development Programme. When the Consultative Business Movement merged with the Urban Foundation in 1995 to form the NBI, it represented rebirth but also continuity. The organisation had already cemented its reputation as a credible, non-partisan and pragmatic partner in the cause of building a new South Africa.” While praising the strides that business has made to the fortunes of the country thus far, the President bemoans the country’s continued structural high unemployment levels, and calls on business to do more to assist in ensuring that the youth are empowered to better learn skills to enable them to be more work ready than they are currently. “I must say this is one area that we still need to panel beat into a much better shape and I’ve heard a number of you – some of you sitting here – talking about this and I would like to carrel you so that we work on this and produce a skills and job pairing system that will be second to none. I’ve been overjoyed when I’ve gone to countries such as Germany and Switzerland when I’ve seen how they’re able to take young people, skill them and immediately have them placed in jobs.” The President reiterates that the government was doing its part to push the structural reform agenda, which includes improving areas like the energy and logistics sectors, as well as helping to turn around local government, among other issues. This, ultimately to make the country more attractive for investment and for business players to stay for the long-haul in helping to grow the economy and jobs. ‘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.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/president-ramaphosa-urges-business-to-prioritise-youth-employability/

Hasina Kathrada | 27 April 2026 At a time when black economic empowerment is increasingly reduced to a shorthand for elite enrichment, Cape Flats to the JSE enters the conversation as a deliberate counter-narrative. The Johannesburg launch, held at Exclusive Books in Rosebank on Thursday, positioned the book not only as a company history, but as an intervention in how South Africa remembers and debates B-BBEE. Author Phakamisa Ndzamela was explicit about his intention. The book challenges a dominant narrative that portrays empowerment as a failed project benefiting only a politically connected few. Instead, it uses the rise of Brimstone Investment Corporation to argue for a more layered understanding of how empowerment unfolded in practice. Brimstone, founded in 1995 by Mustaq Brey, Fred Robertson and Rashid Seria, is presented as a case study of an alternative model. From modest beginnings, the company grew into one of the country’s longest-standing black-controlled firms on the JSE, building a portfolio across sectors including fishing, healthcare and financial services. But the discussion at the launch made clear that this is not a simple success story. Ndzamela traced the origins of the book to his postgraduate research in business history, where he struggled to find black-owned companies with sufficient archival material to support rigorous analysis. Brimstone stood out because it had kept records, minutes and institutional documentation, allowing its trajectory to be reconstructed with unusual depth. That absence of documentation is central to the book’s contribution. Without recorded histories, the story of black business is either reduced to anecdote or dominated by a narrow set of high-profile deals that have come to define public perception. In that sense, the value of Cape Flats to the JSE lies not only in the story it tells, but in the record it creates, offering a rare, evidence-based account of how a black-controlled company was built, financed and sustained over time. Ndzamela also located the story geographically. The Cape Flats, often portrayed through the lens of crime and deprivation, is reframed as a site of entrepreneurial activity. “A child from the Cape Flats should know that the Cape Flats is not just about guns and cars, but there is entrepreneurship there too,” he said. In conversation with former Brimstone executive Lawrie Brozin, the discussion moved into the mechanics behind that narrative. Brozin, who joined the company in 1996, described an early environment shaped by risk, limited capital and reliance on relationships rather than formal funding structures. Investors, he said, often backed the founders themselves rather than a fully formed business proposition. Deals were built on trust, reputation and a willingness to take calculated risks in an uncertain market. “We worked hard. We took chances. And we backed each other,” he said. The emphasis on trust was not incidental. In a context where capital was scarce and formal systems were still evolving, relationships became the infrastructure through which deals were made. Even with legal frameworks in place, Brozin suggested, the success of transactions often depended on the credibility of the individuals involved. The book also complicates the narrative that empowerment created entrepreneurs from scratch. Brimstone’s founders entered the post-apartheid economy with prior experience. Brey was a chartered accountant, Robertson had built a career in insurance and education and Seria brought a background in journalism and activism. Ndzamela uses this to argue that empowerment and entrepreneurship are not mutually exclusive, but that policy often enabled existing entrepreneurial capacity to scale. He also sought to counter the claim that B-BBEE benefited only a narrow elite. His research into Brimstone’s shareholding found that about two million shares were held by black investors on the Cape Flats, with a further two million held through the Brimstone Empowerment Share Trust. For Ndzamela, this indicates a level of participation that is often overlooked. Yet the discussion did not dismiss the broader critique. Ndzamela acknowledged that inequality persists and that not all beneficiaries of empowerment have been broad-based. Wealth concentration, he argued, is a feature of capitalism itself, rather than unique to B-BBEE. Brozin’s account of deal-making reinforced that unevenness. Many empowerment transactions were highly leveraged and dependent on market conditions. Some delivered significant returns. Others collapsed, forcing companies to absorb losses and meet obligations under pressure. He spoke openly about failed deals and financial strain, stressing that the company’s survival depended on honouring commitments even when investments did not perform. Internal cohesion, he suggested, mattered as much as strategy. The conversation also turned to the future of B-BBEE. Ndzamela argued that the framework is unlikely to be dismantled, given its legislative foundation and the structural inequalities it was designed to address. However, he acknowledged that it will need to evolve. As the first generation of empowerment founders reaches retirement age, companies will face decisions about how to unlock value and transfer ownership without destabilising the businesses they built. At the same time, shifts in the economy, including pressure on conglomerates to unbundle and emerging opportunities in sectors such as energy, are likely to reshape the landscape. Brozin suggested that the model requires refinement, particularly in expanding ownership to employees and those directly involved in building businesses. What emerged from the launch is a picture that resists easy classification. The book challenges the dominant critique of B-BBEE, but does not dismiss its failures. Instead, it suggests that the absence of documented black business histories has narrowed how empowerment is understood, leaving both its successes and its limits only partially visible. Cape Flats to the JSE does not resolve the debate around B-BBEE. Its value lies in reopening it with evidence, offering a grounded account that complicates both celebration and dismissal and placing on record a story that might otherwise have remained anecdotal. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://mg.co.za/business/2026-04-27-cape-flats-to-the-jse-new-book-challenges-narrow-narrative-of-b-bbee/

Luis Monzon | 22 April 2026 South Africa’s communication regulator, ICASA, is working on a new licensing framework for satellite Internet operators, and specifically named Elon Musk’s SpaceX among firms it will target. In its annual performance plan for 2026/27, ICASA said it was developing the framework to address the widening digital divide in remote areas and encourage investment. “The goal is to create a transparent, efficient, and sustainable regulatory environment that fosters investment, competition, and the expansion of satellite services,” it said in the plan. ICASA explained that the new licensing framework is aimed at increasing access to Internet connectivity in rural areas in South Africa and reducing cross-border communication costs. “Newer ICT technologies and infrastructure are needed in the rural, remote, and underserved areas to mitigate the widening of the digital divide,” it said, listing satellite operators as a solution. “ICASA will monitor the impact of satellite-based services and their potential role in providing more affordable cross-border communications.” The regulator clarified that the development of the framework was a multi-year project with specific completion goals. It was initiated in the 2025/26 financial year and approved by Council.  This, it said, constitutes 75% of the total process. The remaining part of the process will be concluded in the 2026/27 financial year when the “Final Satellite Regulation” is approved by Council.  ICASA would now conduct public hearings as it prepared draft final regulations for legal vetting. This will be the final step before the regulations are approved by Q4 in the financial year. The regulator also said it had published statements on its website and social media to inform the public about unlicensed satellite operators providing services in South Africa.  In 2025, MyBroadband reported that many homes and businesses in South Africa were unlawfully using Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite Internet service. It was unlawful because the company was unlicensed. Starlink in South Africa A MyBroadband analysis at the time showed that Starlink’s speed and latency continued to improve significantly in South Africa, thanks to the company’s steady expansion across the continent. Starlink saw significant speed improvements in South Africa that year, thanks to SpaceX installing ground stations in Kenya and Mozambique and to the growth of its orbital satellite fleet. While Starlink remains unlawful to use in South Africa, some South Africans in remote areas accessed the service using its roaming product as a workaround, albeit at a higher cost. The company attempted to restrict the exploitation of its roaming service, where customers can still connect to Starlink Internet outside of their country of origin, by cutting the service after a specific time. However, the bypassing of these restrictions was becoming easier as Starlink launched in South Africa’s closest neighbours, including Lesotho in June 2025. In February, Starlink dispelled certain myths about its planned local operations, including denying that it wanted to bypass Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation. “Starlink supports South Africa’s transformation objectives and proposes to meet them through Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs), a lawful and well-established B-BBEE mechanism,” it said. It argued that ICASA’s current regulations around licensing operators do not align with B-BBEE legislation and empowerment goals. The company highlighted that other sectors, such as technology and mining, allow foreign companies to operate in South Africa without being 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups. These companies instead use Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) to contribute to transformation, where investments were made into projects advancing transformation goals. “The goal is to encourage investment, promote competition and innovation, give practical effect to the ICT Sector Code, and ensure regulatory consistency,” ICASA said about EEIPs in its performance plan. With EEIPs, companies can meet their empowerment obligations through strategic investments rather than solely through direct ownership, making it easier for multinationals to invest locally. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/642395-new-rules-for-satellite-internet-operators-in-south-africa-including-starlink.html

Lisa Beyers | 22 April 2026 Civil rights organisation Solidarity has confirmed it will proceed with its Constitutional Court challenge against South Africa’s Public Procurement Act, with the case scheduled for 18 and 19 May this year. The development comes as National Treasury published new regulations under the Act, which Solidarity argues will significantly increase costs for taxpayers and undermine service delivery. According to the regulations, state institutions must reserve 30% of all procurement for black-owned enterprises. Additionally, any business seeking state contracts must demonstrate that at least 40% of its own procurement comes from suppliers with predominantly black ownership. Unlike previous procurement rules, non-compliance with these Black Economic Empowerment requirements now constitutes grounds for automatic exclusion from all state contracts. Anton van der Bijl, deputy chief executive of Solidarity, questioned the timing of the regulations. “The audacity of doing this shortly before a ruling on whether the Act is fair or not is quite astonishing. These regulations will significantly increase procurement costs by narrowing the pool of suppliers available to the state,” Van der Bijl said. He added that suppliers complying with BEE requirements would face virtually no limit on prices they could charge for goods and services, with taxpayers ultimately bearing the cost. Theuns du Buisson, economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute, explained that preferential procurement prevents the state from purchasing directly from the most affordable suppliers, creating a system where middlemen profit without adding value. “When prices are artificially inflated by adding intermediaries as additional links in the chain, this mandate is undermined. The result is that ordinary South Africans pay more for poorer service delivery,” Du Buisson said. He cited National Treasury estimates indicating that up to 40% of public procurement is lost to fraud, inflated pricing and intermediary structures. Du Buisson described the legislation as one of the most racially discriminatory pieces introduced since 1994, claiming it effectively disqualifies white businesspeople. Solidarity argues the case centres on constitutional principles of fairness, efficiency and accountability, with direct implications for taxes, service delivery and quality of life for all South Africans. The Constitutional Court’s ruling in May will determine whether the Public Procurement Act and its regulations comply with the constitution. ‘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/solidarity-challenges-new-bee-procurement-regulations-ahead-of-may-court-case/

Lehlohonolo Lehana | 20 April 2026 Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi met with legal practitioners in a stakeholder engagement as part of government’s efforts to strengthen collaboration and advance transformation within the legal sector. This engagement provided a platform for constructive dialogue with legal practitioners on matters relating to transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged professionals within the legal sector. Various members of the legal fraternity as well as representatives of legal bodies were outspoken about the fact that black lawyers are overlooked, especially when it came to the State Attorney allocating work in high-profile cases.  Kubayi has emphasised that the transformation of the legal sector remains integral to sustaining South Africa’s democracy. “Most studies have indicated that the transformation of the legal profession is facing resistance by established players who have benefited from the status quo, and this has also manifested itself with legal challenges against the legal sector code.” “There are still many barriers that restrict the careers of talented black and female lawyers, including racist treatment, sexual harassment, and briefing patterns which give preference to white men.” “That can’t be ignored. It cannot be that it is not acknowledged that transformation is necessary in this sector, because the worst off in this sector remain the black women. We are going to have to work together…in partnership to be able to fight the resistance and transform our sector,” Kubayi said. Kubayi gave the assurance that the concerns will be addressed. She said while they are valid, the worst off in this sector are black female practitioners. She actively defended the Legal Sector Code (LSC) against legal challenges from major law firms. She said the LSC is crucial for transformation. The Minister has instructed all State Attorney Offices to hold quarterly stakeholder engagements to deepen transformation even further. The acting Solicitor-General, Felix Mbeki, gave an overview during the proceedings, including statistics as to how work is being allocated and which processes had to be followed to be considered. He also painted a positive picture on how practitioners called upon to do work for the State are paid within the stipulated 30-day payment frame. This sparked an emotional outcry from many of the lawyers present, who said these were simply wrong and that these figures did not represent the plight of the smaller black firms who are being overlooked. Mbeki gave the assurance that since the establishment of the Office of the Solicitor-General, a structured and policy-driven approach has been implemented to promote fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the allocation of state legal work. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://fullview.co.za/kubayi-pledges-to-improve-inclusivity-transparency-in-legal-sector/

Bianke Neethling | 20 April 2026 The National Treasury has published the draft General Public Procurement Regulations for public comment, which could lead to sweeping changes to procurement legislation and black economic empowerment (BEE) in South Africa. The Treasury explained that, due to the length and complexity of the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, a longer consultation period has been given for submitting public comments. These regulations, if passed, will bring into effect the Public Procurement Act, which President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to in July 2024. This Act has been controversial since its inception, as various parties have supported or opposed the new procurement rules, and the draft General Public Procurement Regulations are set to be no different, particularly regarding BEE requirements. Under the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, companies that wish to do business with the government must demonstrate that a large percentage of their prior procurement was with majority black-owned businesses. Specifically, the regulations state that companies must show that at least 40% of their prior procurement was spent on enterprises that are at least 51% owned and managed by black persons. This detail, and other specifications in the regulations, show the Treasury’s commitment to ensuring BEE in the new legislation. This comes at a time when BEE policies are increasingly under scrutiny, both within and outside the government. It also comes as Trade Minister Parks Tau is developing the idea of a new Transformation Fund, which many suspect may replace BEE policies as they’re currently understood. Ramaphosa previously explained that this Transformation Fund will be used to support black-owned and small businesses, though he rejected suggestions that BEE should be abandoned. While details are still lacking, it is believed that the Transformation Fund will be funded by companies that choose to contribute 3% of their net income. Companies that do so will earn double the BEE points currently available for their contributions towards enterprise and supplier development. This setup has led some, including Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt, to refer to the Transformation Fund as an effective “empowerment tax” that South African companies can pay rather than deal with complex BEE scorecards. Public procurement in the spotlight again The Public Procurement Act, which the Treasury’s draft General Public Procurement Regulations are seeking to give effect to, is intended to close loopholes and improve South Africa’s procurement processes. South Africa’s weak procurement regulations and enforcement have been a thorn in the country’s side for years, having been exploited by various bad actors seeking to profit. On 9 April 2026, the Institute for Race Relations’ (IRR) Makone Maja explained that South Africa’s public procurement rules have been weaponised against citizens and require a major overhaul. “Public procurement processes are often more amenable to abuse by opportunistic and corrupt officials seeking self-enrichment,” Maja said, specifically in reference to revelations made during the Madlanga Commission. “The IRR hopes the Madlanga Commission will go further in establishing the role of BEE as the glue that binds procurement to wasteful expenditure through BEE premiums, as well as corruption and capture through patrimonialism.”  “This golden thread runs through both the Zondo and the Madlanga commissions, which have effectively investigated the same issue.”  Maja explained that both of these commissions uncovered state capture by private interests who collude with politicians and others in public office. This collusion, she said, is done to exploit procurement processes in a bid to enrich themselves at the expense of critical state institutions most South Africans depend on for basic services. “As the retired Justices Madlanga and Zondo reach similar conclusions regarding public procurement rules, we must demand that their recommendations regarding procurement and BEE be reflected in all institutions and laws,” Maja said. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/130315/new-bee-rules-for-south-africa-on-the-cards/

In the realm of economic empowerment, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)  stands as a cornerstone initiative aimed at redressing imbalances of the past and fostering inclusive growth. However, even with its noble intentions, there lies a persistent challenge: Fronting Practices.   Fronting Practices refer to the practice of misrepresenting the true nature of B-BBEE compliance, often undermining its objectives and perpetuating economic inequality. At its core, B-BBEE seeks to empower Black People and promote their meaningful participation in the economy. It encompasses various measures such as Ownership, Management Control, Skills Development, Enterprise and Supplier Development, and Socio-Economic Development; all aimed at broadening economic participation and socio-economic empowerment. However, Fronting Practices undermine these objectives by creating a facade of compliance while circumventing the spirit of B-BBEE and transformation initiatives.   Fronting Practices manifests in various forms, ranging from the creation of superficial empowerment structures to the exploitation of loopholes in B-BBEE legislation. One common tactic involves the establishment of so-called "front companies" or "token Black Ownership" structures, where Black individuals or entities are used as figureheads without genuine involvement or control in the business operations. In other instances, companies may engage in window-dressing tactics, such as inflating Procurement Spend with Black-Owned suppliers without genuine economic empowerment outcomes.   The prevalence of Fronting Practices poses significant challenges to B-BBEE compliance  and undermines the credibility of the entire empowerment framework. It not only erodes trust between stakeholders but also perpetuates a culture of non-compliance and impunity. Moreover, Fronting Practices distort market dynamics by allowing entities to unfairly compete for business opportunities meant for genuinely empowered enterprises, thereby stifling economic transformation and exacerbating inequality.   Addressing Fronting Practices requires a multifaceted approach that combines robust enforcement mechanisms, increased transparency, and enhanced public awareness. Regulatory authorities such as the B-BBEE Commission and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition ( the dtic ) must strengthen enforcement measures to detect and penalise instances of Fronting Practices effectively. This may involve conducting thorough investigations, imposing severe penalties on offenders, and implementing measures to deter future violations. Moreover, collaboration between government agencies, industry associations, and civil society organisations is essential to share best practices, raise awareness, and promote compliance with B-BBEE principles.   Transparency and accountability are critical in combating Fronting Practices and restoring trust in the B-BBEE framework. Companies must adopt a culture of transparency and disclosure, providing clear and accurate information about their empowerment initiatives and outcomes. This includes publishing detailed B-BBEE Scorecards, where possible, disclosing Ownership structures, and demonstrating genuine efforts towards economic empowerment. By driving transparency, companies can mitigate the risk of Fronting Practice allegations and demonstrate their commitment to genuine transformation.   Furthermore, public awareness and education play a vital role in addressing Fronting Practices and promoting compliance with B-BBEE principles. Stakeholders across the public and private sectors must engage in proactive outreach efforts to educate businesses, investors, and the general public about the importance of economic empowerment and the consequences of Fronting Practices. This may involve hosting workshops, disseminating informational materials, and leveraging digital platforms to raise awareness about B-BBEE compliance requirements and best practices.   Ultimately, Fronting Practices represents a significant challenge to B-BBEE compliance and undermines efforts to achieve meaningful economic transformation in South Africa. Addressing Fronting Practices requires a concerted effort from regulatory authorities, businesses, and civil society to strengthen enforcement measures, promote transparency, and public awareness. When we tackle Fronting Practices head-on and uphold the principles of genuine economic empowerment, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where every citizen can thrive.

Worker's Day will be celebrated on May 1 st,  and it holds a profound significance. It commemorated the struggles and achievements of workers, particularly in their fight for fair labour practices and rights. Originating from the historic struggle against Apartheid, it is a reminder of the solidarity and resilience of the workforce. This day honoured the contributions of workers across industries, acknowledging their role in shaping our Country’s socio-economic landscape. It is a time to reflect on progress made in labour rights and to advocate for ongoing improvements in working conditions, wages, and equality.   In terms of B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment), Worker's Day underscores the importance of economic inclusivity. B-BBEE initiatives aim to address historical injustices by promoting the participation of Black South Africans in the economy. On days like Worker's Day, the commitment to B-BBEE principles is reaffirmed, emphasising the integration of marginalised groups into all facets of economic activity.

Likho Mbuka | 16 April 2026 Group highlights procurement spend and skills development as key drivers of sustained top rating. MTN Group and its major subsidiary MTN South Africa have maintained their Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status in 2025, marking six consecutive years for the group and seven for its South African unit. The rating, verified by an independent agency, reflects continued performance across key elements of the B-BBEE scorecard, including skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development. MTN said its procurement spend remains a central lever in driving transformation. During 2025, the group spent R8.8 billion with 51% Black-owned suppliers and R11.6 billion with 30% Black women-owned suppliers, reinforcing its role in supporting local enterprise development. Investment in skills development also remained a focus, with 492 learnerships, graduate programmes and targeted interventions supported during the year, aimed largely at building digital and technical capabilities. Group CEO Ralph Mupita said the sustained Level 1 status reflects the link between business performance and broader economic inclusion. “Maintaining a Level 1 B-BBEE status over many years reflects our commitment to long-term business success and societal progress,” he said. MTN South Africa CEO Ferdi Moolman added that procurement, skills development and partnerships are being used to drive economic participation beyond compliance requirements. Through its foundation initiatives, MTN said it reached more than 905 000 learners via its online school platform and over 25 000 beneficiaries through its skills academy, with a focus on youth and women. The group said it will continue to embed transformation across its value chain as part of its broader strategy to drive inclusive growth and digital participation in South Africa. ‘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.moneyweb.co.za/news/companies-and-deals/mtn-maintains-level-1-b-bbee-status-for-seventh-consecutive-year/

Simon Majadibodu | 15 April 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed criticism from Elon Musk over South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) laws, insisting the policy is not racist, despite being labelled “extremely racist” by the billionaire. Musk, who was born in South Africa, claimed his satellite internet service, Starlink, was denied a licence because he is not Black.  He described the regulations as “extremely racist” and a “shameful disgrace” to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, and called for sanctions against officials supporting B-BBEE. However, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) confirmed in March 2025 that Starlink had not formally applied for the required licences, despite raising concerns about the regulatory framework. Under the Electronic Communications Act, aligned with B-BBEE policy, companies are required to have at least 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals.  Musk also alleged that his company was offered opportunities to bypass the requirement by misrepresenting ownership, which he said he refused. Speaking on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development Summit 2026 in Boksburg, Ramaphosa said he paid little attention to Musk’s remarks. “Our laws are not racist. They are empowerment laws meant to uplift people who were discriminated against,” he said. Ramaphosa said that apartheid-era policies explicitly restricted Black South Africans’ rights, including where they could live and work. He said current legislation is rooted in constitutional provisions aimed at redressing historical inequalities. “What we are seeking to do is implement the constitutional imperative to correct the imbalances of the past,” he said. He added that companies unable to meet equity ownership requirements can comply through “equity equivalent” programmes, such as investments in enterprise development, education and community initiatives. Ramaphosa said hundreds of international firms, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft and General Electric, comply with South African regulations. “Singling out our BEE laws is quite dishonest,” he said.  “These are empowering laws designed to benefit all South Africans, including women who were disadvantaged under previous systems.” Meanwhile, tensions between South Africa and the United States have intensified.  Advocacy group AfriForum has called for sanctions against ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula. The situation follows renewed scrutiny of US-South Africa relations under President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025.  His administration has criticised South Africa’s land reform policies and foreign relations with Russia, China and Iran, and threatened sanctions alongside a proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025. The US has also imposed 30% tariffs on certain South African goods as part of its broader trade strategy. Last week, Mbalula said in August 2025 that ANC leaders were prepared to face sanctions rather than abandon policies aimed at economic transformation, including B-BBEE. ‘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/news/politics/2026-04-15-our-laws-are-not-racist-ramaphosa-says-b-bbee-going-nowhere-amid-musk-backlash/

Phiri Cawe | 14 April 2026 While birthdays are typically marked by festive gatherings and decorated cakes, Afrika Tikkun, a non-profit organisation based at the Zolile Malindi Centre, has chosen to celebrate its milestone by continuing its mission to uplift and empower disadvantaged children, youth, and families. For many in the Mfuleni community, the organisation has become a beacon of hope, particularly for families struggling to make ends meet, with its ongoing commitment to transforming lives rather than relying on occasional donations such as food hampers. With more than 30 years of experience in driving social change, the organisation focuses on education, skills development, youth empowerment, and community-based programmes. Marketing coordinator Malibongwe Zitho highlighted the centre’s impact, noting that it has expanded its services over the years to include early childhood development. “We started as a soup kitchen, but we have grown into an organisation that equips both young and old with the skills to become self-sufficient. Our main focus is on young people. We support their academic development and offer programmes in digital literacy, career guidance, creative arts, and fitness activities such as soccer, netball, running, and swimming. We also partner with Manzomthombo Primary School, where we teach physical science, mathematics, and English on Saturdays,” he said. To keep children engaged and inspired, the centre also hosts events such as talent shows and spelling bees. Mr Zitho added that the organisation honours the legacy of its chief patron, the late statesman Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, by commemorating his birthday each year. “The impact of the centre in the community has been immense. We have helped many young people secure employment and supported their education by raising funds to ensure they complete their schooling. We also participate in the Spirit of Belron Challenge, where people from around the world walk, run, cycle, swim, or use wheelchairs. For every kilometre covered, Belron donates €1 to Afrika Tikkun, supporting youth development programmes that empower underserved communities,” he said. As the centre celebrates 30 years of existence, Mr Zitho said the organisation remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. He emphasised the importance of working closely with local communities, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders to create sustainable opportunities for young people to thrive. Community members have also shared positive feedback about the centre’s work. Nombentsha Mdingi from Bardale said that although she has never visited the centre, she has heard many success stories. “People speak highly of it. I have not been there myself, but I hear good things. My neighbour’s child learned computer skills there and is now employed. I would love to visit one day,” she said. Another resident, Mandilakhe Mboqo from Extension Four in Mfuleni, praised the organisation for its long-standing support. “We have never gone hungry since it started. When it was still a soup kitchen, we relied on it for food. It has grown to meet the needs of the community, and we are grateful to have an organisation like Afrika Tikkun,” he said. He also expressed appreciation for the non-profit's continued efforts to share valuable information and opportunities with young people, adding that he hopes to see it grow from strength to strength. ‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://vukaninews.co.za/vukani/news/2026-04-14-afrika-tikkun-celebrates-30-years-of-empowering-youth-in-mfuleni/