By Noko Mashilo
SMME advocacy group, the Black Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA), has written to the Home Affairs Minister asking for a meeting to discuss its objections to parts of the Immigration Act pertaining to critical skills. BEA CEO Refilwe Monageng said that the legislation “reflected our low standards in attracting critical skills that are already available locally”.
Also, the unintended consequence of the Act and the country’s Critical Skills List was the eligibility of foreign nationals, along with their families, to enter the country despite possessing skills already prevalent among South African citizens. Monageng claimed that there was a lack of adequate consultation and the absence of a thorough skills audit, resulting in a list that overlooked local entrepreneurs, small business owners and historically marginalised groups. “This oversight exacerbates unemployment, fosters resentment towards foreign nationals, stifles economic growth and undermines efforts to build a more equitable society,” he said.
A positive outcome would ensure that South African citizens were adequately represented in the economy and that inclusivity was prioritised. “A negative outcome, however, would maintain resistance across various sectors of society, leading to continued unemployment, stagnant economic growth and a decline in investor confidence,” Monageng warned.
The BEA proposes a more inclusive consultation process involving diverse stakeholders, a comprehensive skills audit focusing on emerging industries and future-critical sectors, and regular reviews and updates of the list. The BEA has also written to the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs. “We look forward to collaborative discussions that will help create a more inclusive, effective and sustainable Critical Skills List for the benefit of all South Africans,” he said.
Meanwhile, Francina Nkosi who is the founder of the Waterberg Women Advocacy Organisation in Lephalale in Limpopo, has also expressed concerns about the list, noting that was only familiar to a limited audience. “The lack of government transparency and public awareness has contributed to this issue. The key question is whether the list accurately reflects the country’s real needs.
