PREFACE
The miracle of 1994 looms largely over our history, for that was the moment the country ushered in a new dispensation, underpinned by democratic values. I must hasten to say, that this miracle moment was not the end of the transformation process, but rather the beginning.
since the dawn of this democratic order. In the words of the late Don Mkhwanazi, “transformation is not the rearranging of the tables and chairs on a sinking titanic, but it is the rebuilding of the ship”. His words ring true today, as the country continues to debate how to transform within its context. Rebuilding the ship cannot be done without bold leadership at all levels in society. The country seems to align itself with global expectations without firmly dealing with matters of equity first in the country, hence the ongoing triple challenges of inequality, unemployment, and poverty. In the words of the late Lot Ndlovu, “South Africa will one day begin to experience transformation fatigue, therefore, we must engage properly whilst we are still fresh before we loose more time”. This statement was uttered at the BMF conference in 2010, and his words are beginning to haunt all of us, that we are living in the era of transformation fatigue. This fatigue is seen across the black lobby group space, where black leaders are not as vocal about transformation issues as they should. Government and all its acute challenges has lost the credibility to advance transformation is this country, because the public sector hardly complies with the B-BEE Act, and at best, a 10% of the public sector complies with the Act. The private sector lends itself to cutting corners in effecting transformation, even though companies on the JSE have a better compliance figure with B-BBEE, sitting around 43%.
Monde Ndlovu Head of Advocacy & Thought leadership, BMF
T
his moment enabled the country to begin crafting the necessary frameworks and policies for transformation to happen. As an unintended consequence, what has now taken root is the lack of adherence to the tenants of transformation, and the black majority have handed over their aspirations to a system that has not deepened the agenda of transformation. The minority groups have consolidated their economic and social power for their own benefit. True reconciliation must therefore begin with redefining economic power in the country, and not merely accept hollow political power. The economy is the heart of reconciliation, and our white compatriots have a crucial role to play in the transformation process.
The country’ s future is under severe threat, and if we do not take hold of the transformation process, sadly we might find ourselves in the worst position
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www.transformsa.co.za
The B-BBEE Act and its implementation is receiving daily criticism from many quarters, with little response from key stakeholders in society. The State of the Nation address did not mention the importance of B-BBEE, but rather highlighting the key elements of the Recovery and Reconstruction Plan, where infrastructure has been touted as the key lever for driving economic growth and development. There is a deliberate attempt to separate economic growth and transformation and positioning transformation as a costly exercise that needs to be scrapped at all costs. Key organisations in society are leading this charge of removing transformational laws because in their analysis, only a few black people have benefited from these laws. They seek to introduce the sustainable development goals as a framework for a new system. This logic is greatly flawed and disingenuous because these very goals can find expression within the B-BBEE elements. We however do have hope, as we reflect on the state of transformation in the country. This hope lies within the desire for us all to create a country where black people will enjoy the fruit of their labour. This can be done and must be done.
