BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT. A power keg.

Byline: Andrew McNulty

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT A power keg Has BEE changed under Jacob Zuma's rule? Amid the noise around controversial mining deals there are some successes, writes WHAT IT MEANS.

The empowerment field is not level.

ArcelorMittal deal is just plain rotten The controversies surrounding the Sishen and Lonrho mineral rights have raised old questions about black economic empowerment (BEE), including the undeserved enrichment of elite individuals. But now, under the Jacob Zuma regime, there is growing concern about cronyism, patronage, and the role of government officials.

This time the appearance of patronage can be traced to the top. Some individuals, including the president's son, Duduzane Zuma, could be greatly enriched by gaining ownership of mineral rights in a questionable process. Unease about the process has become more widespread. The National Union of Metal Workers (Numsa) has commented scathingly on what …