Question NW1417 to the Minister of Employment and Labour
05 May 2023 - NW1417
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
Whether he has been advised that the provisions of the Employment Equity Amendment Act, Act 4 of 2022, which allow him to set specific employment targets for sectors, might encourage employers to pursue manufacturing operations outside of the Republic and/or to computerise, mechanise and/or restructure their operations if they cannot meet the specified set targets, which would lead to higher levels of unemployment and/or the loss of job opportunities in the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
It is important to highlight that thus far, there is no empirical evidence to indicate that the employment equity amendments in relation of regulation of sector EE targets might have unintended consequences on employment or in encouraging employers to change their operations to pursue restructuring or computerise and /or mechanise operations. Noteworthy is that, investors and all employers operating within the Republic are required to comply with national labour laws.
END