For our diverse, multicultural population to have equal opportunities and fair treatment at work, we comply with the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998.
As South Africans, we are known throughout the world for our cultural, racial, and economic diversity, as the Rainbow Nation. To ensure that our diverse population has equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace, we abide by the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998.
What Is The Employment Equity Act?
The Employment Equity Act is a South African law that promotes workplace equality by taking steps to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and that all employees receive equal opportunities. The Act is in place to protect employees from any type of unfair treatment or discrimination in any form. Directly or indirectly, your employer cannot discriminate against you in the workplace, according to the law.
What Is The Purpose Of The Employment Equity Act?
The purpose of the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998, according to our government, is to promote fair treatment and equal opportunity in employment by eliminating unfair discrimination. Affirmative action is also implemented to remedy the disadvantages experienced by designated groups in the workplace. The goal is to ensure that they are represented in the workforce at all organisational levels and occupational categories.
Who Qualifies Under The Employment Equity Act?
Specifically, the Act was initially created for a designated group of people who were later combined as a generic term, “Black people.” This includes people of African, Coloured, Asian and Indian descent. It also includes people who suffer from disabilities.
It is important to note that recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998, which were set to come into effect in October 2021, made some changes to who qualifies under the Act. People with disabilities now include people with physical or mental impairments and cognitive or sensory impairments that limit their access to employment opportunities. This means that people who suffer hearing loss, loss of sight or any other sensory impairments now qualify as disabled under the Act. This will affect Employment Equity targets for various companies.
To ensure compliance with the Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998 when hiring new talent for your business, it’s important to work with reputable recruitment professionals with a history of placing well-qualified candidates. We at Express Employment Professionals are Level 1 BBBEE contributors, making us the optimal choice for your hiring needs while ensuring compliance with the Act. For more information, please get in touch with us.