It comes up time and time again. I have seen certain corporates rate their suppliers in terms of BEE and non-BEE. It must be sending out a really twisted message.
The press (even the financial press) is no better. Business Day carried a special feature on energy and mining yesterday (8 Sept, 06). An article on Richards Bay caught my attention. Richards Bay is going to expand its coal terminal to increase its coal handling capacity. This expansion (known as Phase V) will also make "special provision to encourage a new generation of coal exporters by earmarking 4-million tons a year for BEE exporters." (Bold is my emphasis).
We all know that they are actually saying BLACK exporters. Why don't they just come out and say that? The term BEE is becoming a euphemism for black people and black businesses. Why should they be stigmatised with the term BEE? It comes across as somewhat patronising and paternalistic. Then there is "new generation". Surely new generation means more than black? I think it refers to any new entrant.
An added complication comes when broad-based BEE is brought into play. It is technically possible for every company to become "BEE" without any form of black ownership and control. Will "BEE" include them as well.
Drop the euphemisms and let's get on with transforming this country. If you mean black-owned, then just say it.
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