BEE on 2024 Chopping Block: IRR requests Minister Nxesi to justify BEE amidst growing evidence of failure

The IRR yesterday wrote to Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi highlighting the detrimental impact of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies on the nation's unemployment rates in lieu of the latest data showing joblessness remaining at crisis levels.

Hermann Pretorius, IRR head of strategic communications, says: "The recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) contains alarming unemployment statistics. Since BEE's inception in 2003, unemployment rates, especially among black South Africans and the youth, have seen a concerning rise."

The IRR’s letter, penned by IRR campaign manager Mlondi Mdluli, presents a detailed account of the unemployment trends over the past two decades, drawing a direct correlation between the implementation of BEE and the escalating unemployment crisis. The IRR has requested Minister Nxesi to provide clarity on the government's criteria for measuring the success or failure of BEE in relation to these unemployment figures.

Pretorius adds: "With the 2024 elections on the horizon, it's imperative for South Africans to reflect on the past two decades of BEE. We must evaluate policies based on their outcomes, not just their intentions. The IRR has always championed pro-growth, non-racial economic policies, and we believe it's time to address the socio-economic devastation caused by apartheid in a manner that benefits all South Africans."

The IRR has proposed an urgent meeting with Minister Nxesi to discuss these concerns in detail. The Institute firmly believes that South Africa can be prosperous and filled with opportunities for all its citizens. However, this requires policies that genuinely uplift the nation rather than furthering racial divisions or favouring a select few.

Pretorius concludes: "We have asked Minister Nxesi to respond by 30 August 2023, and we eagerly await his reply. We are committed to working collaboratively to address the unemployment crisis and ensure a brighter future for all South Africans."

Media contacts: Hermann Pretorius, IRR Head of Strategic Communications Tel: +2779 875 4290 Email: hermann@irr.org.za

Mlondi Mdluli, IRR Campaign Manager Tel: 2771 148 2971 Email: mlondi@irr.org.za

Media enquiries:

Michael Morris, Head of Media Tel: +2766-302-1968 Email: michael@irr.org.za

Sinalo Thuku, Media Liaison Assistant Tel: +2773-932-8506 Email: sinalo@irr.org.za