AfriForum’s Head of Public Relations, Ernst van Zyl, today featured as a speaker at a black economic empowerment (BEE) seminar presented by Kagiso Capital, FirstRand Empowerment Foundation and Kagiso Trust. The title of the seminar was “Beyond the façade: The bittersweet reality of B-BBEE”. As a panellist, Van Zyl presented critiques of racially discriminatory policies as they relate to the practical and moral failings of BEE, as well as provided solutions for the problems the country faces, which do not rely on race-laws.

According to Van Zyl this seminar was a sign of a shift in the political landscape in the sense that for the first time major financial role-players are beginning to engage critically with the failures of BEE and even inviting critical voices to the table.

“Racially discriminatory policies and legislation in South Africa are becoming increasingly difficult to defend. The business community is showing a willingness to engage robustly with role-players outside of the pro-discrimination camps, and this is a very positive development,” says Van Zyl.

“AfriForum being invited to speak at this event shows how the tide is turning against racially discriminatory legislation in South Africa and as a civil rights organisation we will ensure we play a productive role in this process,” Van Zyl concludes.

A recording of the seminar can be viewed here.

Photo: from left to right: Iman Rappetti (journalist and moderator), Ernst van Zyl (AfriForum’s Head of Public Relations), Khurshid Fazel (Webber Wentzel) and Oren Fuchs (FirstRand Empowerment Foundation).