President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC will not abandon Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, using the party’s Limpopo elective conference to reaffirm a core transformation policy. His remarks came as Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba took over as provincial chairperson after a court challenge failed to stop the gathering.

The statement places the Ramaphosa B-BBEE policy debate back at the centre of national politics, especially as some Government of National Unity partners continue to criticise race-based redress measures. B-BBEE remains part of South Africa’s legal framework under the 2003 Act.

Ramaphosa doubles down on B-BBEE

Ramaphosa told delegates in Limpopo that the ANC’s renewal drive must include economic transformation, reindustrialisation and stronger local government. According to the source material provided and corroborating reports, he also said calls to end B-BBEE and affirmative action would not shift the ANC from its current course.

That stance is consistent with his recent national messaging. In February, reporting on his reply to the State of the Nation Address said Ramaphosa argued that South Africa should strengthen B-BBEE, not retreat from it.

Limpopo conference proceeds as Eastern Cape stalls

The ANC’s Limpopo conference went ahead from 27 to 29 March 2026 after the Polokwane High Court dismissed an urgent application to stop it. Before the conference, Ramathuba had been widely reported as the frontrunner for provincial chair.

At the same time, the ANC in the Eastern Cape faced the opposite outcome. The East London High Court interdicted that province’s elective conference after applicants raised concerns including branch meeting irregularities, QR code disputes and alleged manipulation of membership processes. It was later reported that the conference was officially placed in abeyance until further notice.

Responses and broader policy context

B-BBEE remains grounded in law, not only party politics. The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act says it exists to create a legislative framework for black economic empowerment, while the dtic describes it as part of government’s programme to redress the inequalities of the past.

SABC News also reported in February that Deputy President Paul Mashatile reaffirmed government’s commitment to B-BBEE after Ramaphosa’s recent defence of the policy. That suggests the Ramaphosa B-BBEE policy message is aligned with the ANC’s broader public position.