Eleven out of every 25 South Africans (44%) – less than half the population – believe government should keep Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) going.
Nine out of every 25 (36%), over a third of the population, believe government should end all BEE policies, while five in every 25 (20%) don’t know what government should do with the controversial legislation aimed at redressing the historical economic inequality created by apartheid.
These are some of the core findings of a large-scale survey by reputable global market research company Ipsos, commissioned by News24, which gauges South Africans’ views around BEE and other crucial issues.
The results, from a sample of over 3 600 people, weighted and projected to the South African adult population, are representative of all citizens who are eligible to vote.
News24 has studied the results and is reporting on several major findings, including an analysis by renowned business journalist and News24 writer-at-large Carol Paton.
Read all of our articles here:
Less than half of South Africans think govt should keep BEE going
An Ipsos survey, commissioned by News24, shows South Africans are split on Black Economic Empowerment. News24 delves into how South Africans answered according to race, their politics, and education, and examines the country's responses to the policy's impact on economic growth.
SA’s biggest challenge? There is a clear consensus… and it's not land
The top concern for South Africans is job creation. Addressing inequality and improving land access are lower priorities
Tender truths: SA picks delivery over BEE
Two out of every three South Africans believe tenders should go to companies that can deliver effectively and within budget, irrespective of ownership.
SA prefers a government without ANC majority rule
Most South Africans viewed the government of national unity as effective, and more preferable to sole ANC leadership.
Is BEE still working? South Africans split as redress policies face new pressure
An Ipsos survey, commissioned by News24, shows that South Africans remain sharply divided over BEE — with many questioning its effectiveness, fairness, and future — as international pressure, high-profile court cases, and new government initiatives reignite a national reckoning over race-based redress.
Carol Paton | What have 20 years of BEE brought us?
The News24-Ipsos survey highlights Black Economic Empowerment's mixed impact: it has increased black ownership, management, and middle-class mobility but contributed to corruption, deterred foreign investment, and failed to drive economic growth. Critics argue BEE’s costs outweigh its benefits, calling for a shift towards broader social and economic empowerment policies focused on value and competence, writes Carol Paton.
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News24 Business Deputy Editor: Ahmed Areff
Political analyst and consultant at Ipsos: Mari Harris
News24 Business writer-at-large: Carol Paton
News24 Business journalist: William Brederode
Graphics and design: Sharlene Rood & Mihle Mdashe
Production: Riaan Grobler & Marelise van der Merwe
Image credits: Nadiinko/Canva; Martin Harvey/Getty Images; Mlungisi Louw/Volksblad/Gallo Images; Media 24 Pty Ltd (Newspapers)/Gallo images; X/@DA_GPL; GCIS/Supplied; Graeme Williams/South Photographs.
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