The Amendments to the Employment Equity Act, 1998, came into effect on 1 January 2025 and the Employment Equity Regulations (Regulations) were published on 15 April 2025 by the Minister of Employment and Labour.
The Regulations establish five-year numerical targets for designated employers (ie employers who employ more than 50 employees) across 18 economic sectors: accommodation and food service activities; administrative and support activities; agriculture, forestry & fishing; arts, entertainment and recreation; construction; education; electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply; financial and insurance activities; human health and social work activities; information and communication; manufacturing; mining and quarrying; professional, scientific and technical activities; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; real estate activities; transportation and storage; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; wholesale and retail trade; and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.
In terms of the Regulations designated employers must adopt a five-year employment equity plan based on the sectoral targets which include a 3% disability employment goal.
Going forward designated employers will only be able to obtain a certificate of compliance to do work for government if they have met the applicable sectoral targets or have a reasonable ground for non-compliance; and provided that there have been no complaints of unfair discrimination in relation to that employer.