The impact of the Black Economic Empowerment concept in the South African public procurement systems on black construction professionals

Abstract

South Africa's government in 2003 introduced Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation aimed to uplift the blacks into mainstream economic activities. This study assessed the impact of the BEE policy on black construction professionals since its introduction. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the participants' dispersed location, the telephone interview method was adopted to solicit information from 21 black construction professionals. The findings indicate that the BEE policy in the public procurement system, has improved black construction professionals' economic status, developed their skills, and increased access to public contracts, indicating an immense benefit from the BEE policy. However, issues such as nepotism, corruption, and exploitation by policy implementers with political acquaintances in the public procurement system prevent the policy from fully achieving its objectives. South Africa's government must institute measures to ensure all the hindrances adversely affecting the policy's successful implementation are eradicated for the intended policy objectives to be realised.