The purpose of the Employment Equity Act (EEA), No 55 of 1998 is to achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through elimination of unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups

EEA applies to all employers and workers and protects workers and job seekers from unfair discrimination, and also provides a framework for implementing affirmative action.

WHO ARE DESIGNATED GROUPS

The beneficiaries of affirmative action, also known as designated groups, are limited to black people (i.e. Africans, Colored’s and Indians), women and people with disabilities who: are citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth or descent