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Solidarity has noted with concern the draconian racial rules and figures the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition wants to impose as B-BBEE sector codes for the legal profession, as it has been announced in a recent media statement.

In response to the media statement issued on 12 September, Solidarity already consulted its legal team to discuss possible steps. Earlier, Solidarity also used the opportunity to submit its comments on the legal sector codes.

According to the media statement, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, is using the sector codes as an instrument to address the injustices of the past.

These codes issue racial directives to the legal sector such as 50% black ownership, of which 25% must be black females. The codes also stipulate 50% black representation in the management of a law practice as a condition that must be complied with.

Riaan Visser, head of the Solidarity Law Network, said Solidarity would without a doubt join the fight if the government intends to impose these rigid figures on the legal profession. 

“At the moment, we are waiting to gain insight into the full content of the sector codes before deciding on a plan of action. 

“We have nevertheless already sought legal advice, because if the codes are in any way consistent with what has been stated in the media statement, they are unacceptable,” Visser said.

Apparently, the codes will be published in the Government Gazette on Friday.