South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment and Affirmative Action policies are under fire for favoring those with political ties and leaving the majority of black South Africans economically disadvantaged. Critics argue that these policies obstruct economic progress and perpetuate the cycle of economic hardship. Recent legal rulings challenge the use of BEE as a criterion for aid, calling for a major overhaul of these initiatives for economic stability and growth. With the country’s unemployment rate exceeding 44%, there is a growing call for a more inclusive and effective economic policy.