“Exposing the gap: Ramaphosa reveals stunning workplace disparities”

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed Parliament on Friday, highlighting the persistent inequality in South Africa’s workforce.
He emphasised that the country’s top management positions are disproportionately held by white people.

According to the Commission for Employment Equity’s 2022-2023 annual report, white individuals occupy 63% of top management positions, despite comprising only 8% of the economically active population.

In contrast, Africans, who make up 80% of the economically active population, hold merely 17% of top management positions.

However, Africans account for nearly half of all professionally qualified positions.

The President stressed that the Employment Equity Act aims to promote equal opportunities and eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace.

He acknowledged progress since democracy but noted that much work remains to achieve true equality.

Ramaphosa emphasised that all South Africans, including those from minority groups, should have equal access to employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth without feeling excluded or marginalized.

The President’s remarks come in response to a question from FF Plus’s H J Van den Berg, who asked when the State would abolish employment policies allegedly discriminating against minorities based on race.