On the 15 April 2025, two significant sets of regulations under the Employment Equity Act (EEA) were published in Government Gazette, marking a pivotal moment in the implementation of the amended EE Act, which came into effect at the beginning of this year.
Sectoral Numerical Targets and Designated Sectors
In terms of section 15A(1) and (2) of the EEA, the Minister of Employment and Labour officially published a gazette identifying national economic sectors and determining sector specific numerical targets.
These targets take effect from the 15 April 2025. Importantly, these targets have been finalised and no further public comment period will follow. The final targets reflect those previously communicated by the Department of Employment and Labour during the manufacturing sector consultations held on the 19 February 2025.
Repeal of 2014 Regulations and New Employment Equity Regulations
In a second Gazette, the Minister also published the Employment Equity regulations as contemplated in section 55(1) of the EEA. These regulations replace the 2014 regulations (published under Government Notice No. 37873 of 1 August 2014), which has now been repealed with immediate effect.
The newly issued regulations address a range of administrative provisions, including:
- the obligations of designated employers, including the use of updated prescribed forms for Employment Equity Plans and Reports;
- the issuing of Compliance Certificates under the recently enacted section 53 of the EEA;
- the process for evaluating work of equal value and identifying unfair discrimination in terms and conditions of employment; and
- enforcement mechanisms available to the Department of Employment and Labour.
In addition, designated employers will need to synchronize employment equity plans to cover the period 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030 in order to fall in line with a national standardised five-year planning cycle.
SEIFSA remains committed to assisting members in navigating these amendments and we will in the coming weeks, host a series of webinars, workshops and publish management guidelines to provide practical support.
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For more information please contact the SEIFSA Human Capital and Skills Development Division:
Zizile Lushaba-Nyawo (011) 298 9443 / zizile@seifsa.co.za or
Mabandla Nhlapo (011) 298 9425 / mabandla@seifsa.co.za