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"These policies reinforce the apartheid-style ideology that value is not associated with capability, but with the colour of one's skin," said SAIRR researcher Hannah Botsis.
Such policies also undermined the independence of South Africa's black middle class.
Botsis said: "The black middle class does not appear to have the political independence that is typically expected of a middle class.
"If the black middle class believes that it attained its position in society because of government policy, the rational thing for it to do would be to protect the policy."
The SAIRR study conducted last month sought to ascertain the relationship between government policy and the independence of the growing black middle class.
"The interdependence between government policy and the prosperity of black individuals means the state effectively curtails their political independence while allowing them to advance economically," the study concluded.
"A mature independent black middle class would offer South African democracy a great deal in stability, new political direction, and continued economic growth. Standing in its way are policies which undermine individual ability and hinder political independence," Botsis said.
- Sapa
