Redress policies aren't reverse discrimination
Sandile Mdadane is the Editor of the Sunday Tribune
Image: File
THE Democratic Alliance opposing the Employment Equity Act to a point of wanting it scrapped by the courts is a clear sign of who it truly represents despite identifying itself as a non-racial party.
This is part of the necessary legislation that is aimed at addressing the historical and systemic inequalities faced by certain groups in the workplace. Without employment equity, fair representation on of under-represented groups such as black people, women, and people living with disabilities wouldn't be guaranteed.
Looking at the racial makeup of people in management in most companies and businesses in the private sector, you would swear that white males are the majority in this country. Employment Equity isn't discrimination against a specific race, but given South Africa's history, it's meant to promote diversity and to break down barriers and eliminate obstacles that hinder certain groups from succeeding.
It's quite strange that anyone can oppose diversity because in the workplace it offers different perspectives, ideas and experiences. While the issue of opposing incompetence is valid, not all employment equity beneficiaries are the same. We can't view redress policies as reverse discrimination, but quota targeting carries the risk of hiring less qualified individuals and promoting people who don't have enough leadership or management skills.
The DA and all those who support its court application need to ask themselves why they are against transformation policies. It is disappointing and a regression to see the DA so emboldened in its fight against race-based policies.
The population breakdown is 80% black, 9% coloured, 8% white and 2.5% Indian. Per Employment Equity Report 2023/24 the top management breakdown is: 68% white, 16% black, 10% coloured and 4% Indian. Senior management positions: white (55%), black (23%), coloured (13%) and Indian (7%).
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