Briefing the media, Ms Magodielo said it seemed to be “business as usual” at top management level in the private sector and more rigorous enforcement was needed. The government and parastatals, on the other hand, were leading the way and doing well. Labour Department acting deputy director-general Thembinkosi Mkalipi said a major company would be taken to the Labour Court in the next month or so. This would be the first employment equity case based on the amendments passed last year. Mr Mkalipi hoped the case would set a precedent for the other 1,400 allegedly noncompliant firms that had either failed to submit their equity plans or failed to implement them. The first batch of 77 court cases is being prepared. Penalties of the higher of R1.5m or 2% of turnover can be levied.
Read the full report by Linda Ensor first published today on BDLive Labour officials to crack down on job equity failures.