As debate intensifies over the Democratic Alliances proposal to amend South Africas Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment B-BBEE framework, telecoms industry players are warning that the move will undo decades of progress and push black entrepreneurs out of critical industries.
Without BEE, we would never have entered the telecoms industry, says Sean Shipalana, CEO of Moropa Site Solutions . Its one of the most capital-intensive and closed sectors in South Africa. BEE gave us the opportunity to compete, build infrastructure, and create real jobs in areas that were previously forgotten.
Shipalana says BEE must not be confused with corruption. When contracts are inflated or tenders are abused, its corruption. Punishing black businesses for what corrupt individuals have done is both unfair and short-sighted. The policy itself was never the problem. Poor implementation and weak accountability systems are to blame.
