The challenge of transformation : an analysis of the ethical and strategic need for transformation with special reference to the Employment Equity Act
Date
2003-03
Authors
Reed, Stephen Graham
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1994 South Africa has undergone numerous social and political transformations.
Transformation in this country has different meanings for different people, depending on
the individuals perspective. The process of transformation has been slow for some,
particularly those people who are eager to break away from a past, which has denied
them basic individual rights. For others transformation has been too fast and thus a threat
to their status quo. In view of this, transformation must be embraced by all through the
realisation and admission that the apartheid era was inherently unfair to sections of the
population and change must therefore be regarded as the levelling of the playing field.
This study focuses on the generation of inequality, the uprooting of this evil and the
implementation of equity. In addition, this study particularly focuses on how equity can
be implemented in the workplace, why it is important to do so and what are the possible
barriers to successful implementation. I will consider some of the theories that may be
useful in initiating change. Finally, I will discuss the merits of the Employment Equity
Act as legislation to enforce equity in the workplace.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vanaf 1994, het Suid Afrika verskillende sosiale en politieke veranderings ondergaan. Hierdie veraderings het verskillende betekenis vir verskillende mense, afhangend van die individuele se insig. Die proses van veranderings was te stadig vir sommige persone, veral diegene wie angstig was om weg te breek van die verlede, wat hulle ontneem het van hulle basiese individuele regte. Vir andere was die veraderings veels te vinning en was meer 'n bedreiging vir hulle onveranderlike hoë belangrike posisies. Met hierdie faktor insig, moet veranderings omhels word deur almal se opregte beseffing en erkenning dat die apartheid jare se alleen regte vir die een groep baie onregverdig was teenoor die ander groepe, dus moet veranderings aanvaar word as gelykmaking van alle onreelmatinghede. Hierdie studie is die fokus gerig op die jare van vasgevangheid in onregverdigheid en dat hierdie ongeregtigheid kan ontwortel word met die aanbeveling of vervangs van geregtigheid. Die fokus lê veral klem op hoe om gelyke regte by die werksplekke toe te pas.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vanaf 1994, het Suid Afrika verskillende sosiale en politieke veranderings ondergaan. Hierdie veraderings het verskillende betekenis vir verskillende mense, afhangend van die individuele se insig. Die proses van veranderings was te stadig vir sommige persone, veral diegene wie angstig was om weg te breek van die verlede, wat hulle ontneem het van hulle basiese individuele regte. Vir andere was die veraderings veels te vinning en was meer 'n bedreiging vir hulle onveranderlike hoë belangrike posisies. Met hierdie faktor insig, moet veranderings omhels word deur almal se opregte beseffing en erkenning dat die apartheid jare se alleen regte vir die een groep baie onregverdig was teenoor die ander groepe, dus moet veranderings aanvaar word as gelykmaking van alle onreelmatinghede. Hierdie studie is die fokus gerig op die jare van vasgevangheid in onregverdigheid en dat hierdie ongeregtigheid kan ontwortel word met die aanbeveling of vervangs van geregtigheid. Die fokus lê veral klem op hoe om gelyke regte by die werksplekke toe te pas.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
Keywords
South Africa -- Employment Equity Act, 1998, Apartheid -- South Africa, Social change -- South Africa, Social change -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa, Affirmative action programs -- South Africa, Discrimination in employment -- South Africa, South Africa -- Economic policy, South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-