‘Without BEE, we wouldn’t exist’ – Telecoms leader warns against dismantling empowerment laws
By NewsSA:
As debate intensifies over the Democratic Alliance’s proposal to amend South Africa’s 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. “It’s 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, it’s corruption. Punishing black businesses for what corr...