20 NCT Employment Equity Committee About 15 years ago I completed a master’s dissertation on employment equity, and after much effort I concluded that we should not merely focus our efforts on transformation of the workplace to promote equity. We need to focus on quality education and job creation. This goes beyond racial and gender lines. Without these two pillars our transformation efforts will not result in real transformation of South Africa. We need transformation of the economy, and as with many things in South Africa, this will likely lie on the shoulders of the private sector. Equity and transformation matters are This article should not be used as legal advice as it is merely an opinion piece and for information purposes only bound to become more complex with time. The Employment Equity Act may have become a redundant white elephant, a not so welcome black sheep and with the recent amendments, politicians chasing rainbows. What is important though, is that employers ditch the ostrich approach and dive into this pool of complexity and approach it with much wisdom, not only to avoid the hefty fines, but to harness the value of a diverse workforce, equipping employees with skills to be employable and with a bit of grace we may be able to grow and make room for more opportunities.
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