National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu has warned against overlooking men in employment equity efforts, arguing that gender balance must benefit both men and women.
The National Assembly approved the nominated commissioners, whose terms end on 29 February 2028.
Speaking during the assembly debate on the appointment of new Employment Equity Commission commissioners, Kandorozu said some institutions had become heavily dominated by women in senior management positions.
“Women, women, women. It is very nice, but sometimes we overlook men. There are institutions, for example, which provide senior managers, and of six, four are women. Only two are men. We need to balance,” he said.
He called on the Public Service Commission to recommend balanced appointments, stressing that some men face disadvantages and deserve equal opportunities, particularly young people born after independence.
Kandorozu raised concerns about workplace accessibility for employees with disabilities, urging employers to provide suitable facilities, including toilets designed to accommodate their needs.
Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament Lucia Mbuti says the commission must address historical workplace injustices and promote safer, fairer working environments.
She calls for transparent reporting, fair salary scales and stronger enforcement of ethical employment practices, arguing that affirmative action should extend beyond recruitment to leadership positions across all sectors.
Mbuti also urges the commission to conduct unannounced workplace inspections to assess how employers treat their workers.
Meanwhile, Lilani Brinkman says employment equity should not focus only on who gets hired, but also on who receives training, promotions and opportunities to lead.
Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Immanuel says the commission is tasked to address historical imbalances rooted in colonialism and apartheid.
