Amendments in 2022 to the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 became effective on 1 January 2025. In terms of these amendments, and on 15 April 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour published and implemented revised Employment Equity Regulations (2025), and the Determination on Sectoral Targets.

The Introduction of mandatory sectoral targets, over eighteen (18) sectors, marks a significant shift in South Africa’s employment Equity landscape.

Designated employers (with >50 employees) must now align their employment equity plans with the specified publicized numerical targets related to their sector for the four upper occupational levels in their respective companies.

Further hereto:

– the reporting cycle has been re-calibrated – 1 September till 31 August – for all designated employers

– Compliance certificates with very stringent criteria for doing business with the State becomes a requirement

– Specific hefty penalties for non-compliance 

were also introduced.