MKMVA statement rejecting Johann Rupert's racist attack on radical economic transformation  

21 September 2017

MKMVA is dismayed at the derogatory remarks of South African billionaire, Johann Rupert, about the ANC program of Radical Economic Transformation (RET). Johann Rupert called Radical Economic Transformation nothing more than a “code name for theft”. By doing so he showed his clear disrespect for the black led ANC government and our policies.

RET is a formal policy position of the ANC, and was officially adopted at the ANC’s National Elective Conference in 2012 in Mangaung. We fully agree with the media statement that the ANC issued, in which it pointed out that the black majority (especially Africans) continue to be locked into a cycle of serving only as cheap labour that is super exploited for the purposes of capital accumulation by the white minority. The ANC is further correct to point out that it is exactly these racialized economic relations that have produced the generational wealth of the Rupert family, and that his condemnation of Radical Economic Transformation in our country betrays his ill-gotten privilege.

White businessmen like Johann Rupert have been beneficiaries of apartheid policies, and instead of denouncing Radical Economic Transformation (RET) they should come forward and work towards economic justice in our country.

MKMVA demands Radical Economic Transformation in the knowledge that the majority of our people still continue to be exploited and suffer the consequences of White Monopoly Capital exploitation.

MKMVA calls upon the ANC to continue to send a strong message to Rupert that we dismiss his racist agenda with contempt, and will continue on the path of transformation of the economy of South Africa. The ownership pattern of our economy needs to change, and no white businessman should be able to dictate to us about our policies for the people.

Mr Johann Rupert should shut up and let the democratic government carry out our mandate.

MKMVA supports Radical Economic Transformation that will bring about a fundamental change in the structure, systems, institutions and patterns of ownership, management and control of our economy in favour of all South Africans, especially the poor, the majority of whom are African and female.

MKMVA commends comrade Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as the ANC leader who had spoken out most clearly against Johann Rupert’s racist attack. She was absolutely correct to call his remarks an insult to all black people, which should be rejected with the contempt it deserves, and must be met with an even stronger commitment to Radical Economic Transformation.

Issued by the Kebby Maphatsoe, President of MKMVA, Comrade Kebby Maphatsoe, 21 September 2017