The Department of Employment Labour in partnership with CCMA has successfully concluded its 2026 Employment Equity (EE) workshops/roadshows in the Free State, with the final engagement held on 01 September 2026 in Bloemfontein.

The workshop marks the conclusion of a nationwide programme that saw the Department engage employers, trade unions representatives and other key stakeholders across all nine provinces on the developments in employment legislation and the importance of compliance in the workplace.

Speaking during the last session held in Bloemfontein, Chairperson of the 6th Commission for Employment Equity, Mr Meko Magida, said employment equity must move beyond legislation and policy documents towards meaningful transformation in workplaces.

“Employment equity requires us to move beyond misunderstandings and misinformation. We must move from legislation on paper to transformation in practice," said Mr Madida.

He emphasised that employment equity should not be viewed solely as a matter of meeting numerical targets but should contribute to broader transformation of workplace culture and the experiences of employees.

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“We should not only look at numbers, but at transformation in terms of company culture, dignity, fairness, discrimination, bullying and decent work," he said.

Magida further highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and other sectors of society in advancing employment equity.

“The partnership between the CCMA and the Department of Employment and Labour is significant. Employment equity is a shared responsibility between government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and communities," he added.

Through the 2026 roadshow, the Department provided stakeholders with an opportunity to engage directly with officials on important legislative developments, including the Labour Relations Amendment Bill, the Employment Laws Amendment Bill, amendments to the Basic conditions of employment Act (BCEA) and amendments relating to the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

The workshops also placed a strong focus on the responsibilities of designated employers in promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in the workplace. Stakeholders were given guidance on the implementation of the Employment Equity Act, the amended legislative requirements and the practical steps employers needed to take to comply with their obligations.

A key message throughout the roadshows was that employment equity is not simply a reporting requirement but an important instrument for addressing unfair discrimination and promoting meaningful transformation in South Africa's workplace.

Department's Acting Chief Director for Labour Relations, Dr Ntsoaki Mamashela, reminded employers that the EE process requires proper consultation with employees and their representatives, including organised labour where applicable.

Employers are expected to assess their workplaces, identify barriers to employment equity, develop appropriate measures and monitor progress towards their employment equity objectives.

The conclusion of the roadshow in Bloemfontein brings the 2026 national EE workshops programme to an end. However, the Department of Employment and Labour emphasised that the conclusion of the workshops does not mark the end of its engagement with stakeholders.

The Department will continue to support employers, workers and organised labour through its provincial offices and other available platforms to promote compliance with employment legislation and advance decent work and transformation in the workplace.

The Department of Employment and Labour thanks all employers, trade union representatives and all stakeholders who participated in the 2026 employment equity workshops/roadshows across the country.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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