The Government’s decision to drop the forced use of national demographics from its Employment Equity regulations when it selects and appoints mangers and skilled staff has been welcomed by the Cape Chamber of Commerce.

The regulations would have compelled companies to appoint members of the different race groups to management positions in the same proportion as they feature in the national demographics.

The Chamber, along with other business organisation, objected to the regulations on the grounds that they were unrealistic and unfair, especially in the Western Cape where the coloured population would be severely disadvantaged.

Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber, said the decision had saved a great deal of time and money on legal battles which the Government could never have won as the regulations were not only unjust but unconstitutional.

“If we take a look at the Employment Equity Act of 1998 we will see that the purpose of the legislation is clearly set out. In section 6 (2) the Act says it is ‘not unfair discrimination to (a) take affirmative action measures consistent with the purpose of this Act; or (b) to distinguish, exclude or prefer any person on the basis of an inherent requirement of the job.’

“In other words, businesses are allowed to employ the man or woman best able to do the job regardless of race. The operational requirements of the business must come first.”

“No employer in the private sector would appoint a manager and pay him or her a salary unless he or she could do the job.  In fact, the decision will be to appoint the person who gives the best value for money. That is how one builds good companies and, on a bigger scale, a thriving economy.”