South Africa: The End of Apartheid & the Emergence of the ‘BEE Elite’

Abstract

Recent South African policy making at the highest level has used the language of the developmental state. It has been used as a means of understanding and defining the purpose of ANC government. This article interrogates that concept, especially using the formation of an elite transcending the publicprivate sector divide and considering the concept of an ‘embedded elite’. In this light, the evolution of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies are drawn out and specific comparisons made between South Africa and Malaysia. While creating an elite may involve enriching a small number of black ANC supporters, it is probably a necessity given the propensities of what remains of the established ‘embedded elites’ of the past. It is questionable however, whether this new elite has the sense of direction in pursuit of an industrialising economic model or a broad social model to carry through envisioned changes. Nor are its instincts necessarily democratic. While under the direction of the ANC the South African social structure is shifting in important ways and different sectors of the black population clearly benefit, the majority are not actively involved in a process of transformation that would offer the possibility of radical improvements.