ATC220323: Report of the Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour on the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B 14B - 2020], dated 22 March 2022
NCOP Trade & Industry, Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism, Employment & Labour
Report of the Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour on the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B 14B - 2020], dated 22 March 2022
The Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour, having considered the subject of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B 14B - 2020] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
1. Introduction
The Employment Equity Amendment Bill was referred to the Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour on 16 November 2021. The Committee received a briefing from the Department of Employment and Labour on the Bill on 16 November 2021.
2. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill [B 14B-2020] is to amend the Employment Equity Act of 1998, so as to amend definition; to insert certain definitions; to substitute a definition and to delete a definition; to provide for the Minister to identify sectoral numerical targets in order to ensure the equitable representation of suitably qualified people from designated groups; to provide criteria for the Minister to issue certificates; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
3. Process followed
The Committee invited public comment through advertisements in newspapers and on radio. The closing date for written submissions was 22 January 2022. The advertisement was published in all 11 official languages.
The Committee received submissions from the following stakeholders in respect of the Bill:
- Businesses Unity South Africa
- Banking Association of South Africa
- Financial Intermediaries Association of South Africa
- Black Business Council for Built Environment
- Association for Savings and Investment South Africa and South African Insurance Association
- Master Builders South Africa
- Congress of South African Trade Unions
- Construction Alliance South Africa
- South African Civil Engineering Contractors.
The Committee held public hearings on 22 February 2022, received responses from the Department of Employment and Labour in respect of responses on the submissions received on 8 March 2022 and held deliberations on 15 March 2022.
4. Outcome of Committee’s consideration of the Bill
Five members of the African National Congress voted in support of the Bill. Two members of the Democratic Alliance voted against the Bill.
5. Conclusion
The Committee agreed to the Bill without amendments.
Report to be considered.