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IOL News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Corné Mulder criticises BEE laws amid Trump-Ramaphosa meeting controversy
FF Plus leader Corné Mulder is suggesting that BEE laws be scrapped. Image: Jacoline Prinsloo / File Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) leader Corné Mulder has come under scrutiny for his recent attacks on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws in Parliament. Some speculate his actions are motivated by bitterness over not being invited to the White House meeting. However, Mulder dismissed these claims, stating he would have declined the invitation even if offered. Mulder's suggestions to scrap BEE and Affirmative Action laws in Parliament on Tuesday have left President Cyril Ramaphosa offended. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mulder's criticism of BEE laws is not new. As the leader of the FF Plus, a partner in South Africa's 10-party broad coalition government, he has long been a vocal opponent of policies aimed at promoting economic transformation and redress. In a recent parliamentary session, Mulder asked Ramaphosa whether he was prepared to develop an economic policy that would scrap BEE laws, employment equity, affirmative action, and the Expropriation Act. Ramaphosa's response to Mulder's question was scathing. He expressed surprise that anyone would think BEE laws were holding back the economy, pointing out that the country's economic growth had been hindered by racist policies of the past. "Why can't black people be made to own the productive aspects of work? Why can't they be rich as well?" Ramaphosa asked, emphasising the need for broad-based economic participation. Ramaphosa also highlighted the progress made since democracy, noting that black people are now featured in advertisements for everyday products, reflecting their growing importance as consumers and active economic players. "With democracy, what has now been happening and what we seek to see happening is the opening up of the economy; the broadening up of economic participation," Ramaphosa said. Sources suggest Mulder was bitter after being snubbed from the meeting between Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump in Washington last week, where the bone of contention was a purported 'white genocide' that allegedly took place in South Africa. Mulder was not invited and instead, Ramaphosa took with him Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, billionaire businessman Johann Rupert, and golfers Ernie Els and Ratief Goosen, believed to be the representatives of Afrikaners in the meeting. Mulder has been vocal about his disapproval of the Trump-Ramaphosa meeting, describing it as a "catastrophe" inflicted on South Africans. He believes the SA delegation had no answers to Trump's "right questions" due to wilful ignorance or outright denial. "The international narrative now is that the president was ambushed. You cannot be ambushed if you have the facts on your side." Mulder said if he had attended the meeting, he would have said the opposite of what the SA delegation conveyed. "The truth of the matter is that I was not invited to that meeting… I would have declined if I had been invited. But if I had gone, I would have said the exact opposite to make sure that Trump understands the real problems that South Africa has," Mulder said.
Eyewitness News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Malatsi to appear before Parliament committee over new draft ICT policy
JOHANNESBURG - Communications Minister, Solly Malatsi could be in for a grilling in Parliament after the communications portfolio committee summoned him over a directive that could see billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink land in South Africa. This, after Malatsi's department published a policy directive for public comment last week, sparking speculation that government had been swayed to bend the rules for Musk. If passed, the policy will loosen Affirmative Action laws requiring foreign investors in telecoms to sell 30% of equity in their local entity to historically disadvantaged groups in order to qualify for operating licences. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies said the proposed policy is not meant to subvert the country's transformation agenda. Instead, it would include a clause for companies to take part in equity equivalence programmes. This would see foreign firms invest in programmes geared towards equity, skills development and economic inclusion. In a statement published on X, communications portfolio committee chairperson Khusela Diko, said Malatsi must come before parliament to account for what she said appears to be a contravention of the Electronic Communications Act. Diko further described it as attempts to circumvent the law through policy directives not worth the paper they are written on and a glaring invitation for litigation. In a reply on X, Malatsi said he would honour the invitation for Tuesday's meeting. ALSO READ:
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ActionSA proposes reforms to BBBEE and transformation legislation in Parliament
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba calls for an overhaul of failed transformation policies, saying BBBEE has enriched elites while leaving millions of South Africans behind. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers ActionSA has announced the tabling of a Draft Resolution in Parliament to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with investigating South Africa's post-1994 transformation legislation. The move, in terms of Rule 119 of the National Assembly, is aimed at initiating a national dialogue on genuine economic justice, beyond the current Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) framework, which the party says has failed to achieve its constitutional purpose. Speaking at the Apartheid Museum, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba addressed political, business, civil society leaders and young school leavers, stating: 'The discussion around the constitutional objective of transformation in our country has stalled.' He described the location as a symbolic reminder of the nation's past and the unfinished work of creating a more inclusive future. Mashaba said transformation must break away from failed ANC policies, singling out BBBEE as a programme that has enriched a connected elite rather than correcting systemic inequality. 'What we need now is a model that creates equality of opportunity for all. A model that breaks down the real barriers that keep millions excluded from the promise of freedom.' He cited apartheid-era laws to illustrate the deep structural damage inherited by the democratic state, lamenting that successive ANC governments turned transformative intent into tools of patronage. 'Under the ANC, we saw the enactment of laws such as Affirmative Action and BBBEE. While the introduction of these laws was noble, their implementation has proven to be poor, weakened by all manner of incompetence and selective application.' In the resolution to be tabled, ActionSA proposes that Parliament investigate the actual outcomes of existing transformation laws and consult broadly with South Africans, experts, and political parties to identify reforms that achieve the Constitution's vision of economic justice. Mashaba called for the creation of an 'Inclusive Economic Empowerment Act' centered on a new 'Opportunity Fund' to replace BBBEE. This fund, to be financed through a 5% levy on company profits (excluding SMMEs), will invest in education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in disadvantaged communities. 'Instead of reinforcing inequality under the guise of empowerment, we will focus on real investment in real people.' He also advocated for a time-bound Universal Basic Income Stimulus (UBIS), accelerated land and housing reform, gender justice initiatives, and policies to promote national cohesion. On immigration, Mashaba reiterated ActionSA's stance that the country cannot sustain transformation efforts with porous borders and undocumented migration straining basic services.
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Greed, poor leadership upends liberation dream
ANC president Nelson Mandela smiles on April 27, 1994, as he casts his first vote at the polling station at John Langalibalele Dube's Ohlange High School in Inanda, near Durban, in South Africa's first democratic general elections. On his right is former minister Jeff Radebe. Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu This year marks 31 years of South Africa's freedom from apartheid. The advent of democracy in 1994 was characterised by euphoria and ecstasy. This was expected, especially among those who had been excluded from voting. The apartheid regime used its 'divide and rule' strategy through what it called the 'Tricameral Parliament' which somewhat accommodated coloureds and Indians through the House of Representatives and the House of Delegates. It was only in 1994 that all South Africans of voting age cast their votes. There were high hopes and optimism about the future of post-apartheid South Africa. Among the anticipated changes were the creation of jobs, reduction and eventually ending of poverty, embracing racial equality, and many such developments. In a way, those who held such high hopes were vindicated when Reconstruction and Development (RDP) houses were built to ensure that South Africans had their dignity restored. Many jobs were created in the construction industry. On racial equality, all races were represented in parliament. Government policies such as Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment were said to be geared towards ensuring racial equality. Phrases such as 'rainbow nation' 'nation building' and 'social cohesion' brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was embarking on a new political trajectory. Over three decades later, the question becomes: how far have we gone as a nation in realising the goals of freedom? In other words. To what extent has South Africa's political freedom improved the lives of her citizens? Importantly, which factors have contributed to either the acceleration or stagnation of progress in various areas of life? Lastly, what is the way forward? In addressing these questions, it is important to begin with the positive developments. One of them is that on 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black president – with Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk becoming the first and second Deputy Presidents respectively. Both the cabinet and the National Assembly included South Africa's various racial groups. It is correct, therefore, to argue that politically, South Africa experienced positive change. The new constitution (Act 108 of 1996) brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was on a new political path. The many rights enshrined in Chapter 2 of the country's constitution left many South Africans convinced that indeed things were changing for the better. Whether these sections of the constitution were going to be implemented or not did not seem to bother South Africans. All they were excited about was a constitution which embraced the views of South Africans across the racial divide. On the economic front, the country showed signs of improvement. The global community also offered a helping hand to consolidate South Africa's nascent democracy. Private companies used this changing situation to invest in the country thereby creating job opportunities. On the academic front, the first Education Act was passed in 1997. This was followed by the reconfiguration of the higher education sector. Tertiary institutions were merged to reflect the changed political environment. At the basic education level, learners could now attend any school of their choice. Similarly, at the tertiary level, students could enrol at any institution of their choice without being forced to attend institutions reserved for certain racial and ethnic groups. Even in religion, the fact that South Africa was declared a circular state meant that no religious formation would be deemed better than others. This resonated with the 1648 Westphalia agreement which separated the church from the state. But if our freedom has brought so many good things, how come the lives of the people have worsened? Why do we still have the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality? Why is the level of crime so high? Why is our economy not growing? Why has our justice system lost credibility? Why is the country's education system said to be weaker when compared to other countries? Why is there rampant corruption both in the public and public sectors? These are some of the questions the country must wrestle with as it reflects on 31 years of freedom. I will only proffer responses to some of them without claiming to be prescriptive or conclusive. The main culprit is our political leadership. Politicians have ceased to put people first. Instead, they focus on their own needs. Secondly, factionalism has meant that these politicians operate along factional lines when they elect leaders or render services. The same goes for the prosecution of those implicated in wrongdoing. Depending on the faction one belongs to, the case either sticks or simply disappears in thin air. This is what has created fertile ground for corruption to thrive. By extension, this has delayed service delivery. Thirty-one years down the line, voter apathy has become a lived reality. The excitement of 1994 is gone as evidenced by recent voter turnouts in each election. Another factor is the electorate. Instead of voting for an idea, voters tend to follow individual politicians and political parties blindly. This has reversed many of the gains of our freedom. Thirdly, failure to implement legislation and policies has delayed development. Fourthly, the deployment of people with no requisite skills and knowledge has produced negative results for the country. The ANC's 'Cadre Deployment' policy is not wrong in principle. But when incompetent people are deployed, this takes the country backwards. Fifthly, after thirty years, South Africa's honeymoon is over. Countries that used to support South Africa financially have either reduced their support or ended it entirely. As the political leadership tries to find its feet, it has made many political blunders. A recent case is how both President Ramaphosa and Former Ambassador Ibrahim Rassool handled President Trump's political posture. Therefore, as we celebrate 31 years of freedom it is important to reflect on the road the country has travelled critically. There is no doubt that South Africa is better now than it was under apartheid. Equally, the country is not where it is supposed to be. Many things have gone wrong.
Miami Herald
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Is this a 'John Q' moment?
One of my favorite movies stars Denzel Washington as John Q. Archibald, and his beautiful wife Denise, is played by Kimberly Elise. They have a nine-year-old son who was in need of a serious lifesaving heart surgical procedure. John Q. struggles all his life to make ends meet, like most Americans today, so when his son suddenly went into heart failure, it was clear he was miles away from the money needed to green light the surgery. Every day for the past year, his wife had been telling John Q. that he must do more. While his son lay in the hospital close to death, his wife, with tears in her eyes, loudly proclaims, 'Do Something!' It was then that John Q. realizes that he needed to do something radical. He decides that he would storm the hospital, kidnap the doctors and make them perform the procedure. This is the story of our failing Republic today. America is at a crossroads and its leadership is betraying its citizenry in a major way. They are laying off thousands of people that are lifelong employees of the government. They have had no due process. They are not being advised of a reduction in staff. They are not being let go because they under performed, have days and weeks of unfinished work, or a threat to their fellow employees or our democracy. A sharp bladed knife is being swung at them from on high. It has taken many of them years to obtain America's iconic middle class status only to be within days of losing it due to no fault of their own. The average American is only 60 days away from financial ruin. So while we are early in the process of layoffs by mid May, if not before, you are going to see thousands of protesters take to the streets and demand of their governments to come to their aid and give their jobs back. Then the republic will begin to feel the weight of its citizens that have been tossed aside. If you think those that stormed the capital on January 6th were something, wait until you witness the calculated attacks of a 15-20 year government veteran employee who knows how to wield a computer and a protest banner. I am here to tell you that each one of them will find each other and when they do, the devil will have to pay the tax for the horrible way that each of these employees have been treated. Dare I say that this attack will look different than any that we have seen since the inner struggles of the new republic of the late 1700's. These folks will be armed with families that are being impacted by their recent downgrade from middle class to new recipients of unemployment checks and welfare benefits such as food stamps. They will be mostly white and middle aged men and women. Their protests will be treated differently as most black folks will stay home because, quite frankly, how we endure hardship and coalesce around troubled times is different. Sadly, we have been let down by America so much that it has lost its sting. From segregation, Jim Crow, the erosion of Affirmative Action, to being the main participants in the school to prison pipeline that plagues our children, we are used to being let down by America. All we have ever wanted is for America to love us as we love it. We need to stop this snow storm now before the avalanche comes.
