Important Update Regarding B-BBEE Sector Codes
The Independent Directors Association Africa (IDAA), raises concerns regarding the future of our industry if the government still refuses to take us seriously. The Department of Arts, Sports & Culture held a meeting in Cape Town in order to present a proposal for the B-BBEE sector scorecard.
After 12 long years of anticipation, it is disheartening to see that the proposed scorecard appears to be disadvantageous to black individuals in the film industry. As a members of the film and television community, IDAA has witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges and inequalities faced by black filmmakers, actors, and crew members in our country South Africa. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, opportunities for black individuals within the industry remain limited, and the proposed B-BBEE scorecard only exacerbates these disparities.
What is particularly troubling is the apparent lack of consultation with black stakeholders in the industry during the development of the scorecard. It is absurd to have predominantly white decision-makers addressing issues that primarily affect black individuals. Without meaningful input from those directly impacted, how can we expect the proposed solutions to be effective or equitable?
Furthermore, there are concerns that the draft scorecard is more beneficial to certain privileged groups within the industry rather than addressing the systemic barriers faced by black filmmakers and professionals. Instead of empowering black individuals and fostering genuine transformation, it seems that the proposed scorecard may serve the interests of a select few.
It is crucial that any policies or initiatives aimed at promoting economic empowerment and redressing historical injustices prioritize the needs and perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized. This requires genuine engagement with black stakeholders, transparent decision-making processes, and a commitment to accountability and equity.
Clearly our voices are still not being heard and more work needs to be done to ensure that transformation becomes a reality in our industry. However, we need not lose hope. Together we can continue to advocate and fight.
This scorecard committee has been around for a whole decade and more, yet are still undermining certain people in the industry. They claim to have the final say, but are we to accept that if this scorecard does not directly address the issues that have been brought forth to the Department by different organizations.
In case you are wondering what all this is about, the full meeting is available online on the Department of Sports, Arts and culture YouTube Channel.
Members and followers of IDAA, if we stand together as an industry and with one voice, we can remodel our industry and experience true transformation, change, equality and fair treatment of all regardless of gender and race.
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B-BBEE Sector Codes Update
