Madam Deputy Speaker, I refer to the article in today's Cape Times about a Mrs Elizabeth Tsebe, a domestic worker from Limpopo.
BEE fronting is a widespread problem in South Africa. BEE fronting companies continue to make billions of rands in government business every year. We are aware that steps are being taken to address this challenge.
However, the UDM is concerned by the inordinate amount of time it is taking to find a mechanism capable of drawing distinctions between the representation and substance of BEE deals. While we are completely opposed to the policy of black economic empowerment in its current form, we call on government to deal harshly with all forms of BEE fronting due to its detrimental effect on the economy. Transformation of the current socioeconomic imbalances - which were caused by the apartheid regime's misguided policies - is crucial for long-term political and economic stability. Thank you.