Tick boxes or transformation? The compliance dilemma in the wake of sectoral equity targets

With strict new Employment Equity targets now in force, companies are scrambling to interpret, implement and even legally challenge the regulations.

South Africa’s transformation agenda entered a new phase this week as the Department of Employment and Labour’s amended Employee Equity (EE) Regulations formally took effect.  

Gazetted on Tuesday, 15 April, the new regulations introduce five-year numerical targets for the top four occupational levels (junior, middle, senior and top management) across 18 sectors, ranging from finance to manufacturing.  

While the government said the changes are necessary to “advance transformation and inclusivity in the South African labour market”, backlash from employer organisations has been swift.  

Read more: SA’s new employment equity law calls for a more informed response

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa ...
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