Len van Heerden, News24 User
The issue of Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment is a very emotive debate. Unfortunately, it tends to be left to those ignorant of the facts to make a point against it.
The argument goes like this. "I am a white male (and hence have to be assumed to have all the necessary skills and qualifications) who is denied a legitimate opportunity to be employed in South Africa because a black person (who we assume only got the job due to colour) was employed instead."
Stories are told of how a family member, friend, daughter or uncle was denied an opportunity when their 55 degrees were overlooked in favour of a black person who could not even use a pen.
The story teller is often aware of facts that should remain secret, because once again they know someone in Human Resources or Recruiting who gives them all these details.
Reality
The problem with this argument is reality. Many companies in the country still employ middle-aged whites who do not even have Matric. Many of these people were there as a result of white affirmative action and do not know what a university or college looks like. They are the ones who moan about affirmative action.
If you think about it, no company will let go someone with a skill they need. So, it goes without saying that those who are being let go are allowed to leave because the company does not value their perceived input. Yes, they might be competent, but no company gets rid of the A, B or even C employees, but would be delighted to off-load the lazy bums who do not even understand that it is not good conduct to pass on spam using the network in the office.
Then there is the issue of ignorance. You will notice that they often mistake AA and BEE. Furthermore, they tend to be ignorant about what AA actually means and in what cases it is to be implemented. What is scary is that these people pass themselves as experts in their fields, but are simply ignorant about our laws. Affirmative Action applies only in cases where both candidates are qualified and have the minimum qualifying criteria for the job.
When someone breaks the law, we blame the person and not the law, but when a company hires an incompetent black person, then we blame the law and not the company. Where is the logic and balance in that?
Tight ship
South Africa has, with incompetent AA and BEE candidates, managed to run a tight ship leading to growth for the past 10 or so years and it is predicted that while the economic problems we have will bite, that we are not worse off than most. Japan and Iceland's economies are in a recession. No affirmative action or BEE there.
Major banks in America and Europe have folded and now require assistance. Three car makers in the USA are expecting a handout. I presume that these companies must be paying for their AA policies. Oh wait, they are run by white males who hold almost all the senior positions.
Nedbank in South Africa experienced terrible times before Boardman took over. I presume we can also blame AA? What about the companies that have attempted to screw the South African consumer i.e Tiger Brands, etc? Oh wait, it was under the directorship of a white male as do many of the companies that have been accused by the Competition Commission of price fixing.
In 1994, the South Africa was facing bankruptcy despite the fact that it was run by whites males for white males too?
For an Auditor, Werner van Der Merwe shows remarkable ignorance or arrogance in not acknowledging that the biggest beneficiaries of AA have been white women. Does he consider them incompetent or is this label reserved only for black people?
It is always fascinating that each time someone whinges about Affirmative Action, they show remarkable ignorance on the subject and simply use their prejudice and illogical emotions to find likeminded disciples who will agree with anything that feeds their ignorance and bias.
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.