The purpose of the Employment Equity Act is to achieve equity in the workplace. This is done by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination; and by implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups, to ensure equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce.
On 21 July 2014 the President signed the Employment Amendment Act, No 47 of 2013. This Amendment Act became effective on 1 August 2014. If you have more than 50 employees and/or an annual turnover equal or more than the amounts tabled below, you are regarded as a “designated employer” and need to submit Employment Equity documents to the Department of Labour.
| Subsector | Total annual |
| turnover threshold | |
| Agriculture | R6 million |
| Mining and quarrying | R22,5 million |
| Manufacturing | R30 million |
| Electricity, gas and water | R30 million |
| Construction | R15 million |
| Retail and motor trade and repair services | R45 million |
| Wholesale trade, commercial agents and allied services | R75 million |
| Catering, accommodation and other trade | R15 million |
| Transport, storage and communications | R30 million |
| Finance and business services | R30 million |
| Community, social and personal services | R15 million |
The Department of Labour has an Employment Equity Online Reporting System where reports can be submitted electronically. The deadline for online submissions for the 2016 reporting period is 15 January 2017.
If you require any assistance to determine if you are a designated employer, to register for Employment Equity, to develop a plan or to submit your report, please contact Anél van Deventer at anelv@fhbc.co.za.