Media reports that Affirmative Action in the Civil Service has been "dealt a blow" by the ruling of the Labour Court against the South African Police Service must be welcomed, if not purely for the questions it raises.
This ruling highlights the futility of a system that is failing on so many levels to deliver the intended effect, but also suggests a basis for fair and effective implementation of affirmative action.
Adding to the already tedious arguments for and against, it is common sense that South Africa needs a form of affirmative action, and that unconditionally it has to benefit both the individual and institution involved - whether in private or state sectors.
The transference of useful skills and experience is vital to the South African job market. Denying individuals the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge in an already impacted economic climate is a mockery of any sane attempt to stimulate a culture of learning and development so needed in South Africa.
The rate of change of business models and techniques is at a high, and continuously evolving given the current state of the global economy. Transferable skills and experience are for many companies their only lifeline to surviving the short and long-term challenges they face.
If the South African government and business sector is serious about keeping abreast with the first-world, provision has to be made to educate and impart high-level knowledge in the most effective manner possible. The colour-by-numbers system of filling a job vacancy only takes away from this process; wasting time, resources and opportunities to share skills.
It is not inconceivable that there will be fewer jobs in the coming years, as an increasing number of people compete for fewer positions. Right now there is a global phenomenon where governments and corporate business are all forcibly streamlining their operations into more efficient and cost-effective models. This is the future, and the blueprint for survival. A "rabbit in the headlights" moment, it's also means fewer people to do more work. Consequently, as pressures build and roles evolve, this leaves little place for employees not adequately equipped to deal with these demands.
This situation is a time-bomb for any developing country. People in or near employment have to be made resistant to the potential fallout, by giving them the skills to cope in a free market and to provide for themselves. It is a matter of priority that those with the all-valuable knowledge and experience be appropriately positioned to transfer these skills
Redundancies in the UK and Europe throughout the financial, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and construction sectors have affected many expat South Africans. This is fuelling a trend for many highly skilled and experienced people to head back to South Africa; some returning to targeted jobs, and many prepared to try their hand in the job market or set up new businesses.
The resulting potential for development and growth is enormous, and harnessed properly, there will be an undeniable knock-on effect benefiting all South Africans.
Hopefully this ruling will provide enough impetus to bring similar cases to the courts and see the end of affirmative action implemented purely on a discriminatory basis. The people of South Africa know that this is right, it will be confirmed by the courts; and now the government has to make it right and help pave the way to a more prosperous country.
South Africa must identify and realise the long-existing potential to impart useful skills and people into the job market for the benefit of all.
This mirrors an almost identical court ruling in New Haven USA in June 2009, where five suitably qualified fire-fighters were denied promotions based simply on their race, although in accordance with the prevailing laws.
Time does need to be called on blatantly discriminatory practices despite the intentions.
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.