Transformation Isn’t ‘Unfair’—Privilege Is

Good morning Mr. White,

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Thank you for the conversation, though I must express my disappointment in your stance. Your statement—*“I don’t support companies or individuals who believe in unfair and discriminatory hiring. A company that does not hire talent on pure merit can’t and won’t thrive.”*—reflects a deep misunderstanding of both transformation and South Africa’s current reality.

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Let’s be clear: transformation is not about abandoning merit, nor is it about discrimination. It’s about recognizing that, for decades, the system benefited white men at the expense of everyone else. The financial services sector, where white men still dominate leadership positions, remains one of the least transformed industries in this country, despite being subject to stringent legislation meant to correct this imbalance.

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By suggesting that transformation is unfair, you are ignoring the very privileges that have enabled white men, including yourself, to hold the majority of corporate leadership positions today. You say you don’t support companies that don’t hire on “pure merit,” but you fail to acknowledge that "merit" alone was never the basis for how opportunities were distributed in apartheid South Africa—or how they continue to be distributed today.

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Transformation ensures that talented Black South Africans, women, and other previously marginalized groups—who have long been shut out of the system—finally have the chance to compete fairly. If we continue to rely on outdated, exclusionary networks, we will miss out on the rich diversity of talent this country has to offer.

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We approached you hoping for an ally—someone who could help us find talent within your network. Instead, you’ve positioned yourself as part of the problem, upholding a status quo that continues to benefit a select few. It’s time to acknowledge the role you play in either perpetuating or dismantling these systemic barriers. White men like yourself, who still hold the keys to so many of these doors, have a choice: you can help open them, or you can stand in the way.

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If you truly want companies and this country to thrive, then supporting transformation is not optional. It is essential for a future that reflects the reality of South Africa’s diverse population and talent.

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Best regards,?

Mulalo Tshikalange

Managing Partner ?

RM Talent Solutions