WORKSHOP ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY FOSTERS A MORE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE WORKPLACE AT VUT
- BEE NEWS
- Oct 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Tshepiso Kaibe | 25 October 2024
In a proactive effort to address and promote employment equity, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted a workshop organized by the Department of Social Justice and Transformation. The event, which focused on fostering inclusivity and fair practices within the workplace, featured two distinguished guest speakers: Mr. Dias Maphutha from Bathokwa People’s Solution and Mrs. Sharon Lefkowitz, a veteran in HR management with over 35 years of experience.
The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Teboho Bojabotsheha, the Acting Manager: Transformation at VUT. Mr. Bojabotsheha introduced the esteemed guests, highlighting their extensive experience and dedication to human resources and transformation initiatives.
Mr. Maphutha’s presentation centered around Employment Equity in the Workplace, drawing from South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). He emphasized that Employment Equity and Skills Development are critical national strategies aimed at reducing inequality, unlocking citizens’ potential, and building the necessary skills for an inclusive workforce. He also introduced the four key international labour rights under the Employment Equity Act, including the Equal Remuneration Convention, the Discrimination Convention, the Workers with Family Responsibility Convention, and the Decent Work Agenda.
Mr. Maphutha went on to explore the application of South Africa’s Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. He underscored its significance in providing opportunities to previously disadvantaged groups, including Black people, women, and individuals with disabilities. He also discussed ways in which affirmative action could be integrated within VUT to promote inclusivity in all sectors of the institution.
Adding to the dialogue, Mrs. Lefkowitz provided insights into the codes of good practice, focusing on the fair treatment of employees. She emphasized the importance of non-discrimination, stressing that race, religion, sexuality, and other arbitrary factors should never be used as grounds for unfair treatment in the workplace.
The roles and responsibilities of VUT’s Employment Equity and Skills Development Committee were also outlined during the workshop. The committee serves as a consultative body responsible for representing constituencies, raising issues, and monitoring the progress of employment equity initiatives. Their tasks include preparing and implementing employment equity plans, evaluating diversity programs, and ensuring ongoing improvement in inclusive practices across the institution.
Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in active discussions, asking questions and sharing their thoughts on how to effectively implement employment equity within VUT. The open platform fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging participants to contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote fairness and transformation.
The event concluded with a sense of shared purpose and a renewed commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace at VUT.
‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.
