DA Challenges Employment Equity Amendment Act in High Court
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has initiated legal proceedings in the Pretoria High Court, challenging the constitutionality of the recently amended Employment Equity Act. The party contends that the legislation imposes rigid racial quotas detrimental to economic growth and job creation.
DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille addressed the media ahead of the court case, asserting that the Act’s provisions discourage investment and exacerbate unemployment. “We have conducted numerous surveys of potential investors who decide not to invest in South Africa. They cite electricity uncertainty and racial laws as primary deterrents,” Zille stated.
The DA’s legal challenge focuses on Section 15(a) of the Act, which mandates affirmative action measures to ensure equitable representation of designated groups across all occupational levels. The party argues that this approach reduces individuals to statistics, overlooking merit and effort.
Zille emphasized the DA’s support for redress mechanisms that promote economic growth and job creation without resorting to what she described as “draconian” measures. “Jobs are created by companies that invest in South Africa. The labour regime established by the Employment Equity Amendment Act will continue to drive away investment and predictably increase unemployment,” she said.
The African National Congress (ANC) has defended the legislation, asserting that it aims to rectify historical injustices and promote inclusivity in the workplace. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stated, “The Employment Equity Act is not about quotas. It is about justice and correcting structural imbalances in the economy.”
The court’s decision on this matter is anticipated to have significant implications for South Africa’s employment policies and economic landscape.
