PRESS RELEASE

2 December 2024

Minister of Labour steams ahead with implementation of race quotas in pursuit of National Democratic Revolution (NDR) ideals

On 28 November 2024, the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) proclaimed the implementation date of the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA) to be 1 January 2025.

While NEASA intends to challenge the constitutionality of certain provisions of the EEAA itself, at least the Department heeded its warnings and refrained from implementing the draft regulations and race-based sectoral targets.

 After President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the EEAA into law in April 2023, NEASA wrote to both former Minister Thulas Nxesi and his successor, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, warning them that Government does not have the power to consult on, draft or enact any regulations until the EEAA has officially been implemented.

 NEASA firmly believes that all consultations and public participation processes with respect to the proposed draft regulations and race-based sectoral targets were unlawful as the EEAA had not yet been implemented.

Should the Department forge ahead and implement any of the current draft regulations or targets, NEASA will apply to the High Court to legally interdict such irregular and unlawful processes.

NEASA remains unequivocally opposed to any legislation which forces an employer to appoint employees on any other basis than the employer’s self-determined business requirements. NEASA will, in the face of these looming race-based targets, continue to advocate for the freedom of employers to run their businesses as they see fit, without undue state interference.

ISSUED BY

Gerhard Papenfus

Chief Executive (NEASA)

MEDIA CONTACT

Charis Esema-Onaolapo

Media Liaison (NEASA)

083 393 4435

media@neasa.co.za