Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Leader and MP Sihle Lonzi called for a bold reform of South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy. He proposed that the cancellation of student debt be added as a measurable element on the BEE scorecard, shifting it from a compliance-driven exercise to a genuine driver of human capital development.
By Central News
“We must include student debt cancellation in the BEE scorecard as an incentive for private firms to contribute towards clearing student debt,” Lonzi said. “This practice of fronting with untalented tender entrepreneurs for BEE points has rendered the policy ineffective. BEE must be linked to real development.”
Student debt in South Africa now exceeds R16 billion, leaving many graduates unable to collect their qualifications or secure employment. Under Lonzi’s proposal, companies could earn BEE points by funding debt relief programmes, offering bursaries, or partnering with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The current BEE scorecard measures aspects such as ownership, skills development, and socio-economic contributions. Integrating student debt relief would directly connect corporate empowerment activities to tangible educational and economic outcomes—helping to open doors for thousands of young South Africans. Lonzi’s call comes amid growing criticism that BEE has failed to deliver meaningful transformation for the majority, and his proposal aims to redirect its focus towards measurable, long-term social impact.
