South Africa's labour market continues to show significant inequalities based on race, gender and disability, according to the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) 26th Annual Report.
The report found that leadership positions in many workplaces remain largely dominated by white and Indian population groups, as well as by men, highlighting the need for continued transformation and inclusion.
CEE Report Highlights Persistent Employment Equity Challenges
Released under the theme, <em>"Bridging the Equity Gap Through Diversity and Inclusion"</em>, the report analysed employment equity data submitted by designated employers during the 2025 reporting cycle.
Designated employers are businesses and organisations that employ 50 or more workers.
According to the Commission for Employment Equity, the South African labour market still reflects major disparities related to race, gender and disability.
The commission said that top and senior management positions remain highly racialised and gendered, with white and Indian employees, as well as men, holding a disproportionate number of these roles.
Economically Active Population Used As Benchmark
The CEE uses Statistics South Africa's Economically Active Population (EAP) data to help employers assess whether designated groups are underrepresented or overrepresented in their workforces.
The EAP includes people between the ages of 15 and 64 who are either employed or actively seeking employment.
According to the report, the national EAP breakdown is as follows:
- African population group: 81.3%
- Coloured population group: 8.6%
- White population group: 7.7%
- Indian population group: 2.4%
Top Management Roles Still Dominated By White And Indian Employees
The report found that white employees account for 57.1% of top management positions, which is approximately seven times higher than their share of the Economically Active Population.
Indian employees hold 12.2% of top management positions, more than five times their EAP representation.
By comparison:
- African employees account for 21.1% of top management positions, significantly below their EAP representation.
- Coloured employees make up 6.4% of top management roles, slightly below their EAP benchmark.
- Foreign nationals represent 3.1% of employees at this occupational level.
Women And Persons With Disabilities Remain Underrepresented
The report also found that men continue to dominate top management positions, with male representation more than double that of women.
While men are overrepresented relative to their EAP share of 54.3%, women remain underrepresented despite accounting for 45.7% of the economically active population.
Employees with disabilities continue to be significantly underrepresented, making up only 2.5% of workers in top management positions.
"Notably, most designated groups, in particular, black women and persons with disabilities continue to be predominantly concentrated within the lower to middle management occupational levels of the workforce. Although there has been an encouraging increase in the representation of women in lower to middle management occupational levels, this upward movement has not yet translated into substantial gains at Senior Management and Top Management occupational levels, CEE said.
Role Of The Commission For Employment Equity
The Commission for Employment Equity is a statutory body responsible for advising the Minister of Employment and Labour on employment equity matters.
Its responsibilities include providing guidance on:
- Codes of Good Practice
- Employment regulations
- Policy development
- Issues related to the implementation of the Employment Equity Act
The latest report highlights the ongoing need for diversity, inclusion and equitable representation across all levels of South Africa's workforce.
