The newly-appointed Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Advisory Council will provide the South African government with additional guidance on how to empower black business in order to transform the economy, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said on Thursday.
The 14-member council was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week with members drawn from various sectors, including business, trade unions, community-based organisations, and academia.
Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing in Cape Town, Gungubele dispelled concerns from some quarters on the quality of the individuals on the council, saying diverse and wide-ranging views emanating from within the council would make it stronger.
“The council comprises a diverse group of people from business, trade unions, community-based organisations and academia, who will be responsible for guiding government on the transformation of our economy,” he said.
The minister said ensuring the empowerment of black people within the economy remained paramount to the South African government.
“While there has been remarkable progress in reversing apartheid’s distortions on the economy, more work still needs to be done in increasing black management control, upscaling skills development, and broadening procurement to give opportunities to black women and youth,” he said.
The council is chaired by Black Business Council chief executive Kganki Matabane who will be in the position for the next five years.
NM/jn/APA