DTI refuses to release list of black industrialist scheme beneficiaries for fear they will be ‘harassed’

Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies showcased four recipients of government’s flagship Black Industrialist programme (BIP) during his Budget Vote on Tuesday, but astonishingly refused to release the names of all 46 recipients of the non-refundable government grants and concessional loans. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently announced that the multibillion-rand programme would be accelerated and that 100 black industrialists would be supported by the end of March 2018, instead of the initial deadline of March 2019. Once the target had been met, the DTI would consider whether or not it could be extended or expanded.