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Eine Analyse über die aktuelle Teilhabe der schwarzen Bevölkerung an mittleren und höheren Positionen in der südafrikanischen Wirtschaft. 1992 waren unter den insgesamt ca. 500 Direktorenpositionen in der südafrikanischen Industrie nur 40 von Schwarzen besetzt. Der Beitrag befaßt sich mit den gegenwärtigen Strukturen in der Wirtschaft und den Perspektiven für die schwarze Bevölkerung, in die volkswirtschaftlichen Aktivitäten integriert zu werden. Der Artikel enthält Fallbeispiele aus dem formalen und dem informellen Sektor der Wirtschaft, in denen sich Vereine zur Förderung eines "black economic empowerment" gegründet haben. (DÜI-Spl)

The policies relating to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in South Africa constitute a logical unfolding of a strategy which has been largely dictated by the history of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the nature of the democratic settlement of 1994, and the structure of the South African economy. From this perspective, the logic of BEE can be pursued through ten propositions which argue that the ANC has sought control of the state to 'internally decolonise' South Africa. This includes the use of state power to extend black control and ownership of the overwhelmingly white-dominated corporate structure and economy. The author argues: that the assertions that BEE policies have been inherently elitist are somewhat exaggerated; that BEE has probably been more 'broadly-based' that is generally allowed; and that the centrality of political leverage to the promotion of black capitalism points to cronyism and compradorism rather than 'Weberian style' entrepreneurialism. The author concluded that, while BEE or some BEE-style policies are necessary to overcome historical injustice and provide the basis for political stability, affirmative action in politics and the economy will only work to promote 'a better life for all' if it is systematically combined with concerted anti-poverty strategies.

In zwei Beiträgen eines Dossiers über Südafrika zehn Jahre nach dem Ende der Apartheid wird die Strategie des "Black Economic Empowerment" skizziert und diskutiert. Dabei geht es um spezielle Förderung von Beschäftigung, Einkommensmöglichkeiten und Unternehmertum von Schwarzen. "Black Economic Empowerment" ist die wirtschaftliche Strategie der ANC-Regierung, das soziale Erbe der Apartheid zu überwinden. (DÜI-Kör)

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess if the Black Economic Empowerment act has brought new economic horizons for the historically disadvantaged South Africans, or it has contributed to further impoverishmentof the lower classes in communities. The paper based its argument on an extensive literature review which envisaged that, despite many years of its implementation, BEE has caused the emergence of classes resulting fromfraud and corruption, fronting, difficulties in registering status, political interference, and poor accountability strategies. The paper interrogates the implementation strategies of BEE in the local government context to assess whether historical imbalances have been addressed or not. The paper concludes that the government needs to revisit BEE as an economic empowerment policy to see whether it has benefited the black majority or not. The paper reiterates further that, BEE as a black economic emancipation blueprint requires proper implementation and alignment with other economic policies such as the National Development Plan to accelerate economic opportunities for the black majority. The paper recommends the government of South Africa through local municipalities to exercise monitoring and evaluation in the BEE procurement systems are prerequisites in safeguarding the manipulation and corrupt tendencies arising from the awarding of tenders in the local government.

Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) has become one of the most high profile strategies of African National Congress (ANC) government. Yet BEE has also become highly controversial, critics arguing variously that it serves as a block to foreign investment, encourages a re-racialisation of the political economy, and promotes the growth of a small but remarkably wealthy politicallyconnected 'empowerment' elite. There is considerable substance to such analyses. However, they miss the point that BEE policies constitute a logical unfolding of strategy which is dictated by the ANC's own history, the nature of the democratic settlement of 1994 and the structure of the white-dominated economy. This paper seeks to unravel that logic through the pursuit of ten propositions. An overall conclusion is that while there is a strong case for arguing that BEE (or some similar programme to correct racial imbalances) is a political necessity, the ANC needs to do more to combine its empowerment strategies with delivery of 'a better life for all'.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess if the Black Economic Empowerment act has brought new economic horizons for the historically disadvantaged South Africans, or it has contributed to further impoverishmentof the lower classes in communities. The paper based its argument on an extensive literature review which envisaged that, despite many years of its implementation, BEE has caused the emergence of classes resulting fromfraud and corruption, fronting, difficulties in registering status, political interference, and poor accountability strategies. The paper interrogates the implementation strategies of BEE in the local government context to assess whether historical imbalances have been addressed or not. The paper concludes that the government needs to revisit BEE as an economic empowerment policy to see whether it has benefited the black majority or not. The paper reiterates further that, BEE as a black economic emancipation blueprint requires proper implementation and alignment with other economic policies such as the National Development Plan to accelerate economic opportunities for the black majority. The paper recommends the government of South Africa through local municipalities to exercise monitoring and evaluation in the BEE procurement systems are prerequisites in safeguarding the manipulation and corrupt tendencies arising from the awarding of tenders in the local government.Key words: Black Economic Empowerment, South Africa, Challenges, Prospects