More than 100 stakeholders mainly from the business fraternity have
this week braved several provincial mass actions aimed at protesting
against rising food prices and fuel to attend the third leg of
employment equity national roadshow.
In Durban, Nstoaki Mamashela, Executive Manager Employment Equity,
said roadshows aim to share information on various employment equity
tools available in assisting employers in their preparation for the
submission of reports ahead of the October 1, reporting deadline.
“Compliance with employment equity is a constitutional right.
Equality includes full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedom.
To achieve equity means we should promote equal opportunity and fair
treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair
discrimination, and implementation of affirmative action measures in
employment experienced by designated groups to ensure their equitable
representation in the workplace.”
“In terms of the Director-General’s review process, any designated
employer may be chosen to determine compliance with the Act. The DG may
request submission of the employer’s current analysis, EEA plan or any
other relevant information for assessment. The Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) is the accounting officer for implementation of the Act. If any
employer is found not to be complying following the DG review process,
the matter may be referred to the labour court for action,” she
said.
Masilo Lefika, Assistant Manager Policy and Development within the
Employment Equity Directorate, said employers were obliged to implement
non-discriminatory affirmative action measures; to assist them to
generate economically viable enterprises; to embark on practical ways
aimed at ensuring non discriminatory and affirmative action measures.
Once they are employed, people with disabilities have a right to
reasonable accommodation and easy access to work premises, he said.
Pertunia Sele, Assistant Manager Advocacy, Compliance and
Monitoring, said the code of good practice on aspects of HIV and Aids
in the workplace aimed to provide guidance to employees, employers and
trade unions on how to translate principles of the employment equity
act into day-to-day practice. The disease, which is surrounded by
prejudice, unfair discrimination and stigma, has serious social
economic and human rights implications.
“A call was made to all employers to organize more awareness raising
initiatives and not just events to communicate messages about HIV and
Aids in the workplace,” she said.
Vikashnee Harbhajan, Director Social Policy with Business Unity
South Africa (Busa) expressed concern about the slow implementation by
employers when it comes to employing people with disabilities. She also
encouraged employers to support HIV and Aids in the
workplace.
