TO: PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA HOUSES
FROM: KGANKI MATABANE
DATE: 09 June 2023
SUBJECT: THE BBC SUPPORTS NEW TRANSFORMATION TARGETS IN DRAFT WATER USAGE LICENCE RIGHTS
The Black Business Council (BBC) supports the new transformation targets set by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the draft water usage licence rights. The draft regulations, out for public comments, indicate that certain enterprises
applying for water use licences to take or store water, would in the future have to sell and allocate shares from 25% up to 75% to black South Africans in order for such water use licences to be granted.
The sector is lacking behind in economic transformation as more than 90% of the rights are in white hands. As such, government has no option but to introduce legislation as the sector has failed to embrace inclusivity for the past 29 years.
Those who are against transforming the sector should stop using scare tactics such as inability to raise funds, sector sustainability and food security as if black people don’t understand business in general and farming in particular.
The BBC calls on the Department of Water and Sanitation to proceed with the regulations.