EEC tightens grip to tackle workplace inequality

Fifteen companies whose affirmative action reports were found to be non-compliant appeared before the Employment Equity Commission’s review panel last week.

Five were told that their explanations for non-compliance were not accepted. The remaining companies are still waiting for final feedback from the panel.

The five employers include Moncha Trading CC, Kongsberg Maritime, Antonius Residenz Trust, Bidvest Steiner Namibia and the Road Fund Administration.

Of the seven employers who appeared before the panel last Thursday, only Namibia Rotomould and Beefcor Meat Suppliers had their reports approved.

The panel's decisions were made after considering the presentations and discussions held during the sessions.

The panel’s findings and the reasons for the decisions were attached to the final orders provided to the respective employers.

Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), Namibia Training Authority (NTA), Letshego Bank, Namibia Oncology Centre (Pty) Ltd, Independent Security Services CC, Amitofo Care Centre of Namibia and Swanib Cables (Pty) Ltd were still scheduled to appear before the commission at the time of publication.

According to the employment equity commissioner Otniel Podewiltz, pursuant to Sections 35 to 40 of the Act, the review panel hearings are convened to address deficiencies in affirmative action reports submitted by relevant employers.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the commission disapproves such reports for non-compliance with specific statutory requirements for reports to be referred to review panels for mediation," he said.

Tackling shortcomings

The review panel hearings constitute formal, quasi-judicial proceedings, Podewiltz noted.

He said the panel will address the deficiencies identified in the disapproved reports and assess whether genuine efforts are being made to promote fair and equitable employment practices within the respective workplaces.

The process provides an opportunity for mediation, enabling employers to address identified shortcomings.

Furthermore, the panel is empowered to issue final and binding orders, and the commission may initiate criminal proceedings against employers for non-compliance if such non-compliance constitutes an offence under the Act, Podewiltz explained.

Accountability

He added that the review panel mechanism plays a critical role in holding relevant employers accountable for their employment practices, ensuring compliance with affirmative action obligations, and advancing equitable employment practices in Namibia.

“The public hearings support the objectives of the Act to redress historical imbalances and promote fair and equitable employment practices across all sectors of the Namibian economy," the commissioner explained.

He added: "The commission remains committed to its mandate to address historical inequalities, increase the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and foster inclusivity, diversity, and non-discrimination in workplaces."

In addition to the review panel hearings, the commission commenced the process of identifying and formulating criminal charges against a number of relevant employers for contraventions under Section 47 of the Act.

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