Deadline: 31 August 2025
Plan must cover: 1 September 2025 – 31 August 2030
As we approach the Employment Equity (EE) submission deadline, many employers are facing a new challenge: aligning their 5-year EE Plans with the sector-specific numerical targets published under the amended Employment Equity Act.
But what does that really mean — and how do you do it?
EE Planning Is Strategic — Not Predictive
The Department of Employment and Labour (DOL) has made it clear: simply stating “we expect no changes” in your workforce is no longer acceptable. Businesses are now expected to build EE plans based on a scenario where organisational movement could occur — whether through resignations, promotions, retirements, or even business ownership changes.
This doesn’t mean you must force change. It means your plan must demonstrate a commitment to transformation, showing that if change occurs, you are prepared to close equity gaps in line with sector targets.
Example: Executive or Owner Movement
Even where there is no plan to sell or resign — such as in the case of business owners or senior executives — the EE Plan should state:
If a vacancy arises, the business will prioritise appointing a candidate from the most under-represented group in line with the sector target.
It’s about showing intent, not making promises you can’t keep.
What If You Don’t Meet the Targets?
You won’t be penalised if you can justify why you didn’t meet your goals — e.g. insufficient candidates, no recruitment opportunities, or impact on business viability. But you must first show that you planned in good faith to meet the sector targets. If you cannot justify missing your target you could be fined up to R 1.5 Million
That’s why your 2025–2030 EE Plan matters.
How HRTorQue Can Help:
We offer full support to help you prepare a sector-aligned, justifiable and compliant EE Plan — with options tailored to your needs:
- Strategic scenario-based planning aligned to sector targets
- Guidance on EE target justification and defensibility
- Toolkits to track and monitor movement over the 5-year period
- Full plan development and reporting services
The DOL expects transformation. You need a plan that reflects action — not hesitation.
Need help with your EE Plan?
The deadline is 31 August 2025 — don’t leave it too late.
Contact us at [[email protected]] or visit [www.hrtorque.co.za] to get started.
Let’s plan your transformation journey with confidence.