Equity commission summons 13 employers over compliance issues

The Employment Equity Commission (EEC), through the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, has summoned 13 employers due to non-compliance with the Affirmative Action Act.

The employers in question recently submitted their annual affirmative action reports to the commission for review.

Some of these reports were, however, disapproved of because they failed to comply with the specific requirements outlined in the act.

“Due to this non-compliance, the commission issued summonses to address the deficiencies noted in the reports. It also retains the right to initiate criminal charges against employers for non-compliance, which constitutes an offence under the act,” executive director of justice and labour relations Audrin Mathe said in a statement on Tuesday.

The 13 employers are set to appear before a review panel on 13 and 14 August, and members of the public are allowed to attend and observe the proceedings.

The relevant employers (those who employ 10 or more workers) are legally required to implement affirmative action measures and submit annual reports to the commission in accordance with the act.

The hearings are scheduled for 13-14 August and members of the public are allowed to attend and observe as per the provisions of section 38.
The relevant employers (those that employ 10 or more employees) are legally required to implement affirmative action measures and submit annual reports to the Commission in accordance with the Act.
As a result, a review panel, convened under section 35 of the Act, will conduct hearings to ensure that relevant employers are held accountable for their employment practices.
“The panel will provide a platform to evaluate whether genuine efforts are being made towards fair and equitable employment practices.
The hearings will also serve as an opportunity for the review panel to mediate and persuade employers to address the shortcomings in their reports,” Mathe said.
Furthermore, the public hearings will support the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to redress historical imbalances and promote fair and equitable employment practices across all sectors of the economy, he added.
Mathe reaffirmed that the Commission is committed to correcting historical inequalities, increasing the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and fostering inclusivity, diversity, and non- discrimination in workplaces in every sector.
The review panel is expected to make a binding final order in respect of those Affirmative Action reports, and employers may not appeal against it.
The summoned employers are; Salt Company (Pty) Ltd, Precision Fuel Services cc, Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Shilongo Leather Works cc, Na’an Ku Se Foundation, Inter Africa Security Services cc, Asco Car Hire & Explore Africa Travel (Pty) Ltd and the Namibia National Training Organisation (Pty) Ltd.This also includes the Court Helicopters (Pty) LtD, Gmunder Lodge (Pty) Ltd, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Synergy Foods (Pty) Ltd as well as Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.

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