APRIL 2025 – 2025 EMPLOYMENT EQUITY REGULATIONS AND SECTORAL NUMERICAL TARGETS
It is important that employers note the following:
Publication of Employment Equity Regulations and Sectoral Numerical Targets for 2025
Government Gazette No. 52514, published on 15 April 2025 by the Department of Employment and Labour, identifies the national economic sectors and determines the sectoral numerical targets, effective from 15 April 2025.
Additionally, Government Gazette No. 52515, also published on 15 April 2025 by the Department of Employment and Labour, repeals the Employment Equity Regulations of 2014 and, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Employment Equity Act, 1998, promulgates the Employment Equity Regulations, 2025, which also take effect from 15 April 2025.
The 2025 regulations impose more stringent compliance requirements and introduce tougher enforcement measures, particularly focusing on the newly established five-year sectoral numerical targets.
- Designated employers are now obligated to create and implement an Employment Equity (EE) Plan for the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030.
- Employers who attain designated status after 1 April 2025 must develop an EE Plan covering the remainder of this timeframe.
- When preparing an EE Plan in accordance with Section 20 of the Act, designated employers must consult the relevant Codes of Good Practice issued under Section 54.
- The EE Plan must, at a minimum, include all elements specified in the EEA13 template, as outlined in the 2025 regulations.
- In formulating their EE Plans and setting annual numerical targets in line with Section 20(2) of the EE Act, designated employers must consider:
- their current workforce profile;
- the applicable five-year sectoral numerical targets; and
- the relevant economically active population (EAP) statistics.
To view the details of the 2025 EE regulations, follow the link. This is a detailed document that must be reviewed thoroughly.
To view the five-year sector numerical targets, follow the link.
