Employment Equity Road-show kicked-off in full steam in the Northern Cape and North West Provinces today (Tuesday) to talk about promoting non-discriminatory working environment for those leaving with HIV & AIDS.
The two meetings, one in Kimberly and another in Rustenburg were attended by hundreds of enthusiastic stakeholders from business, labour, government and community constituencies.
The meetings are a sequel to the 11th Commission of employment Equity report launched by Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant a month ago at which she lamented the slow pace of employment equity.
Following the launch, Oliphant published draft amended code of good practice for HIV & AIDS and the world of work and Employment Equity reporting for 2011.
Addressing the audience in Kimberly, Niresh Singh, the Director: Employment Equity: Policy Development said: “This draft amended code of good practice for HIV & AIDS code should not be read in isolation but in conjunction with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Employment Equity Act and other relevant codes.”
Labour organizations requested that the department increase its monitoring and enforcement of these amendments.
In Rustenburg, Ntsoaki Mamashela, Director: Employment Equity said: “We are far from reaching the desired state of an equitable and diverse workforce free from unfair discrimination including judging people by their HIV and AIDS status”.
She however, commended the employers for responding overwhelmingly by submitting over 90% of their reports On-line.
The campaign proceeds to Limpopo, Mpumalanga tomorrow and will proceed to Eastern Cape on Thursday and Friday. The national roadshows ends on September 23 in Gauteng.
Employers have until October 3 to submit manual reports while On-line documents should be submitted on or before 16 January 2012.
Enquiries:
Mothusi Legwale
Tel: 053 838 1599
Cell: 082 823 1380
Employment Equity Roadshow hits Northern Cape and North West
