Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau has approved the legal sector code under section 9(1) of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act to accelerate transformation in South Africa’s legal sector.
According to Tau, the preamble of the Constitution and the Government of National Unity's (GNU) statement of intent both emphasise the administration's commitment to redressing historical injustices, and this approval further demonstrates that commitment.
Tau noted that the process of drafting of the legal sector code began under the sixth administration, led by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in collaboration with the Legal Practice Council.
This collaborative effort has set the stage for the sector to achieve its B-BBEE objectives, which are designed to foster inclusive growth and transformation, he said.
The sector code outlines several key targets:
- Ownership:
- Management Control:
- Skills Development: Requiring 3.5% of expenditure on training programs for black candidates, focusing on specialised skills for black legal practitioners. This includes black women, youth, individuals with disabilities, and those from rural areas.
- Procurement:
Furthermore, Tau emphasised that the implementation of the legal sector code aligns with the B-BBEE objectives and is crucial for enhancing inclusive growth in accordance with the GNU’s transformation goals.
“The legal sector code will significantly contribute to the transformation of the sector, ensuring that we move towards a more equitable and inclusive legal environment,” Tau stated.
Tau expressed anticipation for the swift implementation of the sector code, highlighting the strong evidence supporting the need for transformation within the legal sector.
“There is strong evidence to support the transformation of the legal sector which this sector code will help accelerate.
“We look forward to the speedy implementation of the Legal Sector Code,” said Tau.
IOL