South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour and Trade Union Solidarity have signed a settlement agreement on employment equity laws, providing certainty for businesses. The agreement stems from a mediation process that started after Solidarity had filed a complaint with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) against the government for the rigid application of affirmative action in South Africa. The agreement ensures no termination due to racial programs and prohibits race as the sole criterion for employment and promotions. It lists conditions for employers and justifiable grounds for not complying with targets. The government guarantees no penalties for non-compliance and no forced dismissal based on race to achieve targets. The agreement aligns with the Constitution and new Employment Equity Amendment Act.
