The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Commission, further reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic transformation in South Africa.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday 5 March 2025 at the Centenary Complex on the UFS’s Bloemfontein Campus. It establishes a framework for collaboration on matters of mutual interest, including knowledge-sharing on legislation, joint initiatives to advance economic transformation, and efforts to enhance public awareness of the B-BBEE Act and related economic inclusion policies.

Speaking at the event, Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, highlighted the need for both representation and intellectual inclusivity, and emphasised that diversity is not only about demographics but also about fostering different ways of thinking. “Our understanding of diversity extends beyond representation; it also includes epistemic diversity – creating space for constructive and critical engagement,” he said.

He also highlighted the faculty’s role in fostering open discussions that lead to real change. “We are a space where a diversity of ideas and perspectives is not just tolerated but actively fostered through discussion and implementation. It is within this context that the Faculty of Law enters into an MoU with the B-BBEE Commission to explore ways to foster economic transformation in the country.”

Innovation through connection

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at the UFS, emphasised the importance of a solid legal framework for economic transformation. “For the sake of clarity, sustainability, and fairness, it is vital that economic transformation operates within a sound legal framework,” he said. He also highlighted the role universities play in disseminating key legislative information, noting, “A university’s educational role is not confined to its students but extends to society.”

He explained that the MoU aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing and public awareness about economic inclusion policies. “This all falls within the scope of the memorandum of understanding that we will sign tonight.” He also stressed the need for collaboration across sectors, saying, “If we want real, tangible results, it is essential that the public and private sectors, business leaders, policymakers, and higher education work together.”

Prof Reddy reaffirmed the UFS’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students and generating innovative solutions. “The UFS is firmly focused on achieving innovation through connection,” he said.

‘A future where equity prevails’

Mofihli Teleki, Director of Stakeholder Relations and Communication at the B-BBEE Commission, described the agreement as more than just a formal undertaking, saying it represents “a commitment to redefine possibilities, foster innovation, and cultivate a future where equity prevails.” He highlighted the pressing need for empirical research to guide B-BBEE policy, noting that “without a foundation grounded in rigorous research and dialogue that is supported by empiricism, we cannot hope to engage in constructive debates on B-BBEE.”

He added that, through this partnership, the UFS and the Commission will work together to expand research and knowledge-sharing efforts. This includes hosting conferences, seminars, and public policy dialogues to increase awareness and encourage greater compliance with B-BBEE legislation. “We aspire to enhance access to research… that will ignite awareness and increase the number of B-BBEE-compliant entities across South Africa.”

A shared vision for transformation

In his keynote address, Tshediso Matona, Commissioner of the B-BBEE Commission, emphasised that B-BBEE and transformation are of “existential importance”, and encouraged ongoing conversations to advance the policy and ensure its success. He noted that these discussions are timely, especially given recent international debates around South Africa’s transformation.

He also highlighted the global precedent for proactive transformation measures, stating that many nations have adopted policies similar to South Africa’s B-BBEE to address socio-economic disparities. “Public policy has long incorporated the principle that proactive and targeted measures are necessary to promote the socio-economic upliftment and inclusion of certain population demographics.” In a candid “to-do list” for the future, the Commissioner stressed that the country must move beyond mere compliance to achieving real impact.

“We have to shift from ‘inputs’ to ‘impact and outcomes’,” he said, calling for an end to “ticking of boxes and window dressing”. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening policy support systems to tackle persistent barriers such as access to funding, markets, and value chains.

A commitment to long-term change

The Department of Mercantile Law also pledged its support for the MoU, reinforcing its commitment to legal education on economic transformation. The Department Head, Prof Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer, highlighted its unique role in advancing B-BBEE knowledge, saying, “The Department is the only mercantile or commercial law department in South Africa teaching Black Economic Empowerment as part of our module on corporate law, which is the law of business entities. We have done so since 2018.”

She further emphasised that legal education plays a critical role in ensuring transformation efforts translate into tangible economic inclusion. “Law is not just a system of rules, but a powerful tool to foster fairness, inclusion, and justice. Our commitment to this cause goes beyond simply providing legal advice, drafting policies, or publishing on black economic empowerment. It is about actively engaging with initiatives that promote empowerment and sustainable economic participation.”

Attendees agreed that the signing of the MoU marked the beginning of a promising collaboration between the UFS and the B-BBEE Commission, as it aims to bridge knowledge gaps and contribute to more inclusive economic growth.

Prof Reddy summed up the stakeholders’ intentions: “We want to tap into the potential locked up in transdisciplinary research and co-create solutions by drawing from collective wisdom and experience.”