Sihlalo, ngelishwa lo ngumhluzi wamanqina. [Chair, unfortunately this is a futile allegation.]
I am not considering a sunset clause to terminate affirmative action, both generally and in respect of white people who've matriculated after 1994.
The main aim of the Employment Equity Act is to address imbalances in the workplace by eliminating unfair discrimination and introducing affirmative action measures for the equitable representation of the designated groups at all occupational levels and categories. In addition, employers are called upon to diversify their workplaces.
As reflected in the recently published 10th Commission for Employment Equity, CEE, Annual Report, there is still a massive underrepresentation of designated groups in the workplace, particularly in the private sector. In line with international trends, government still views affirmative action as a necessary and an appropriate tool in addressing these imbalances and disparities in the workplace. In the light of these prevailing inequalities, any debate about a sunset clause to terminate affirmative action is completely irrelevant and very premature. Ke thina sixelelwe ukuba masilibambe lingatshoni. [We have been told to intensify.]