The Democratic Alliance along with Cape Town residents has taken to the streets of Cape Town in protest against the ANC’s new race quotas.
Party leader, John Steenhuise, along with Federal Chairperson, Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Provincial Leader, Tertuis Simmers, City of Johannesburg Caucus Leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, and thousands of supporters, lead the demonstration through the streets of Cape Town and marched to Parliament.
The party is calling to “put a stop to the growing racialisation of opportunity and resources, at the hands of the ANC Government, before it is too late.”
The Employment Equity Amendment Bill
In April, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially approved the Employment Equity Amendment Bill, aiming to foster diversity and equality within workplaces. This new law grants the Minister of Employment and Labour certain powers, including the ability to establish employment equity targets for various economic sectors. Additionally, businesses with over 50 employees are now obliged to collaborate with trade unions regarding these employment targets.
Furthermore, the bill enables the minister to monitor businesses to ensure their compliance with the law. An important provision of the bill is that all salaries and wages must be evaluated based on specific job descriptions, among other requirements.
READ MORE: The Employment Equity Amendment Bill
Just a day after the Presidency announced that the bill was signed into law, the DA revealed that it would be heading to court.
The DA expressed outrage following the implementation of the law and the effect would have on coloured and Indian citizens.
It’s devastating to see the dire state of our economy and the despair that millions of South Africans endure.
This catastrophe is the result of the ANC’s failed policies. We deserve a government that prioritises economic growth and equal opportunities.#StopRaceQuotasMarch pic.twitter.com/eWSN1p3E3U
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 26, 2023
The party’s Michael Cardo said the Act will entrench racial divisions.
According to the party, this alteration would lead to more skilled individuals leaving South Africa, and it would also burden employers who want to engage in business with the state with excessive and unnecessarily bureaucratic processes.
READ MORE: Growth For Jobs: Bold new plan for Western Cape economy