Employment Equity: Designated groups
Employment Equity (EE) is often misunderstood as solely focusing on one particular group, but that's not the case. EE is about positive action that benefits all members of the designated groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those from different racial backgrounds. The goal is to create a more inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities.
It’s important to understand that disabilities are not linked to any specific ethnicity; they impact individuals from all backgrounds, and therefore, everyone with disabilities is included in this group. This broader understanding of inclusion ensures that everyone who faces challenges has the support they need to thrive in the workplace.
With the newly proposed disability definitions from the Department of Labour with the Amended EE Act, “people who have a long-term or recurring physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may substantially limit their prospects of entry into, or advancement in, employment.”
Therefore, people with “long-term, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment” are included in the new definition and will thus form part of the designated group, not just people with physical impairment. This will influence employment recruitment and create more opportunities for inclusion.
Recent court cases have also sparked discussions about the Employment Equity Act, especially regarding sectoral numerical targets. The courts have ruled that these targets cannot be based on race but must consider gender only. The full impact of this ruling is still uncertain, but it may lead to changes in how companies approach their EE strategies.
In the end, Employment Equity is about fairness and opportunity for everyone. It’s not just about meeting quotas but about building a workplace culture where diversity and inclusion are genuinely valued.
Partner with KVR Consulting to ensure your Employment Equity strategies are inclusive, compliant, and effective.
Let's work together to build a diverse and thriving workplace for everyone.
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