Tighten affirmative action laws: Zuma

2011-09-13 20:10

Paul Vecchiatto

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma says government was contemplating increasing fines for companies not advancing the employment and promotion of historically disadvantaged individuals.

Speaking before the National Assembly on Tuesday, Zuma referred to the employment equity report released by Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant in August.

Zuma said: "It is with great disappointment that the advancement of black people has been so slow."

According to the 11th Commission on Employment Equity Annual Report, black people accounted for 86% of SA's estimated 50 million people, but they only made up 16.9% of top management and 35.9% of senior management level.

Zuma also said that changes to the labour legislation would mean that foreign people who entered the country before 1994 or who became citizens before that year would not help companies meet their affirmative action targets.

- I-Net Bridge (News24)