South Africa’s DA Proposes Bill to End Race-Based Procurement

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party, has proposed a bill to end race-based procurement practices in the country. The bill aims to repeal the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act, a policy that was implemented to promote the economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups, particularly Black South Africans. The DA's move sets up a potential clash with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), with which it shares an uneasy governing coalition. The DA argues that the B-BBEE Act has failed to achieve its intended goals and instead has created a new elite class, benefiting only a small number of individuals. The proposed bill has drawn criticism from the ANC, which sees the B-BBEE Act as a critical tool for redressing the historical economic imbalances in South Africa. The debate over race-based procurement policies is likely to continue, as the country navigates the complex issues of economic transformation and social justice.