The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa has recently announced its plans to upgrade the employment equity (EE) reporting system. The goal of the new system is to provide continuous updates on the progress of EE targets and to hold employers accountable for their set objectives. These amendments will be discussed during the national Employment Equity workshops held across the country, under the theme “Real transformation makes business sense.”
Upgrades to the EE Reporting System
Ricardo Oosthuizen, Senior Administrator for Employment Equity at the Department of Employment and Labour, spoke about the upgraded system during the joint Departmental and CCMA 2023 Employment Equity national workshop in Emalahleni. He emphasized that the second year of reporting following the proclamation would be critical as it would inform employers whether they have met their set targets.
The amendments to the EE legislation aim to reduce the regulatory burden on small employers, empower the Minister to regulate sector-specific numerical EE targets, promulgate Section 53, and strengthen compliance. The newly amended EE Act is awaiting a proclamation date, after which it will come into effect and be applicable during the EE reporting cycle.
National Employment Equity Workshops
Masilo Lefika, Deputy Director of Employment Equity at the Department of Employment and Labour, shared that the EE Act has always been in place but not in operation. He advised employers to use the current legislation when the reporting cycle begins. He also emphasized that EE is about diversity and inclusion, not exclusion.
The national workshops aim to create awareness of the recently promulgated EE amendments, sector targets, and regulations. They also provide a platform to discuss the impact of EE on the labor market, demonstrate the online EE system, and present case law on EE from the CCMA. The workshops began in July and will conclude in September 2023.
Targeted Audience
The remaining workshops will be held in cities such as Nelspruit, Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha, Welkom, Bloemfontein, Durban, and Cape Town. They are targeted at employers, academics, senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees, and other interested stakeholders.
Improved Accountability
The upgraded EE reporting system is expected to facilitate better accountability and tracking of progress towards set targets. By promoting transparency, it aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse work environment in South Africa. The national workshops play a crucial role in raising awareness and preparing stakeholders for the upcoming changes.
