4 July 2007
Dozens of employers today, Wednesday, took part in the employment equity
campaign by the Department of Labour in Durban urging them to submit their
reports online.
The drive, which is led by employment equity team of specialists, is a build
up towards the 1 October reporting deadline.
Niresh Singh, Manager for Policy Development in the employment equity
section said, "Employment equity is a means to end inequality in the work
place. We are using these road shows to make it easier for employers to report
online."
Singh said only employers who have 150 or more employees should report this
year. "The Employment Equity Act requires employers to consult with employees
about employment equity issues, analyse their employment policies, procedures
and practices to identify barriers to affirmative action, prepare an employment
equity plan and finally to submit the plan on or before 1 October."
The campaign also provides training to the Department of Labour's provincial
staff on how to assist employers capture the information online. Training has
already been granted to staff in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal with more provinces
to follow.
Singh said those wishing to get more information can contact the employment
equity registry on 0860 101 018.
The section can also be reached on 012 309 4102/4214/4037.
The road shows come almost eight weeks after the Commission for Employment
Equity (CEE) presented its seventh Annual Report to Labour Minister Membathisi
Mdladlana, lamenting the "slow pace of transformation in the workplace."
Jimmy Manyi CEE Chairperson said in the foreword to the report, "Progress in
implementing the act on the part of employers is still too slow. This snail
pace movement only perpetuates and entrenches the racial and gender disparities
that exist in the South African economy."
"Notwithstanding the fact that in substance the Employment Equity Act is
beyond reproach, stronger enforcement mechanisms is needed to ensure that
employers fully comply with the provisions of the Act."
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
Issued by: Department of Labour
4 July 2007
