On Apr. 14, 2025, RSA LAB partnered with Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration to examine new amendments to the equity act (EE) in national workshops.
Key objectives of the EE amendments are: to reduce the regulatory burden for small employers (employers that employ between 1 to 49 employees), by excluded from complying with the provisions of Chapter III of the EE Act since Jan. 1, 2025.
To empower the Minister to regulate the sector specific numerical EE targets, to promulgate S53; strengthen compliance via issuing of EE compliance certificates.
The implications of this legislative reform means that as from Sep. 1, 2025, when employers submit 2025 EE reports they will have to do so in line with new legislation.
Key in the implementation of the new amendments and regulations is the setting of five-year sector EE targets, the enhancement of EE System, how to request EE Certificate of Compliance to be able to conduct business with the State.
On Jan. 13, RSA LAB said deadline for submission is Jan. 15, 2025.
RSA LAB said the deadline for employers to submit their annual employment equity (EE) reports for 2024, i.e. forms EEA2 and EEA4, is Jan. 15, 2025.
Follows Apr. 202, RSA GVT issued act to promote diversity, equality at work, #169680
Legislative Background
Employers are expected to use EE legislation that predates 2022 amendments.
Submission of report is prescribed in accordance with Employment Equity Act of 1998.
Manual and online employment equity reporting opened on Sep. 1, 2024.
For manual reporting the period closed on Oct. 1, 2024.
Employment Equity Amendment Act, No 4 of 2022 was assented into law and published in gazette on Apr. 14, 2023, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Implication of amendment act now means that small businesses employing less than 50 are exempt from developing EE plans and submitting EE reports.
Penalty
Failure to submit an EE report is an offence punishable by a fine.
Any employer unable to file a report must notify the director-general in writing if it is unable to report as contemplated in the Employment equity act and provide reasons.
Effectiveness
Deadline for employers to submit 2024 Reports is midnight on Jan. 15, 2025.
Apr. 2025 Changes to Report Submissions
On Apr. 14, 2025, RSA LAB partnered with Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration to examine new amendments to the equity act (EE) in national workshops.
Key objectives of the EE amendments are: to reduce the regulatory burden for small employers (employers that employ between 1 to 49 employees), by excluded from complying with the provisions of Chapter III of the EE Act since Jan. 1, 2025.
To empower the Minister to regulate the sector specific numerical EE targets, to promulgate S53; strengthen compliance via issuing of EE compliance certificates.
The implications of this legislative reform means that as from Sep. 1, 2025, when employers submit 2025 EE reports they will have to do so in line with new legislation.
Key in the implementation of the new amendments and regulations is the setting of five-year sector EE targets, the enhancement of EE System, how to request EE Certificate of Compliance to be able to conduct business with the State.
