By Sello Masilo
The Department of Employment and Labour has confirmed that the existing Employment Equity (EE) Act provisions remain in force for the 2024 Employment Equity reporting period, pending the signing of the EE amendments. This was announced by Masilo Lefika, Deputy Director of Employment Equity, during the second session of the annual Employment Equity roadshows in Rustenburg.
EE Roadshows Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
Held in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the roadshows aim to improve racial, gender, and disability equality in the workplace. The first series of these workshops began in the North West province, with sessions in Klerksdorp and Rustenburg, under the theme: “Bridging the Equity Gap through Diversity and Inclusion.”
Overview of EE Amendments
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the EE Amendment Bill into law on 6 April 2023. These amendments to the EE Act of 1998 and its regulations empower the Minister of Employment and Labour to set sector-specific EE numerical targets and to implement Section 53. This section deals with issuing an EE Compliance Certificate, a prerequisite for accessing State contracts.
Reflecting on the 26 years since the Employment Equity Act was enacted, Lefika noted that the amendments implemented in 2013 have not yielded the desired positive impact. He highlighted that the EE regulations published in February are crucial for guiding legislation and emphasized the need for broad consultation while awaiting proclamation.
Focus Areas of the 2024 EE Workshops
The 2024 Employment Equity workshops will concentrate on several key areas:
• EE Status of the Labour Market: As detailed in the 24th Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Annual Report.
• Update on EE Amendments: Including proposed draft regulations on sector-specific EE targets.
• 2024 EE Reporting Season: Guidance and updates for employers.
• Insights from CCMA: Topical cases related to unfair discrimination, including harassment, disability, and discrimination based on arbitrary grounds.The workshops are designed for a broad audience, including employers, heads of organisations, academics, senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees, and other interested stakeholders.
Upcoming EE Roadshows
The next EE roadshow session will be held in Upington on 13 August 2024. For more information on the EE workshops, including venue updates, visit the Department of Employment and Labour’s website at www.labour.gov.za or follow their social media platforms.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate