How Employers Can Prepare for 2025 Sectoral Targets

South Africa’s transformation agenda has entered a decisive new phase with the publication of the finalised Ministerial Sectoral Targets under the amended Employment Equity Act. Following a national consultation process led by the Department of Employment and Labour earlier this year, the regulations have now been gazetted and will come into effect in Q2 of 2025.

These targets, which will remain in force until 2030, introduce legally binding demographic targets across all economic sectors. Designated employers must now take urgent and proactive steps to align their workforce strategies and employment practices with the newly prescribed targets—or face legal and economic consequences for non-compliance.

What Are the Key Changes in the 2025 Sectoral Targets?

The proposed sectoral targets introduce a firmer, faster approach to workforce transformation. Employers will need to take serious note of the following changes:

Increased Targets for Persons with Disabilities: Sector-wide increase from 2% to 3%.
Higher Female Representation: Particularly at senior and executive levels, supporting gender equity in leadership.
Greater Representation of Designated Groups: Stricter demographic alignment expected across all management levels.

These updates reinforce government’s commitment to accelerating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the South African workplace.

What Does This Mean for EE Compliance?

Designated employers will be required to achieve the new targets by 2030, or provide valid and documented justifications for non-compliance. Recognised reasons for deviation include:

No recruitment or promotion opportunities during the reporting period
Mergers, acquisitions, or business transfers
Court orders that impact hiring decisions
Economic challenges affecting workforce planning

Failing to comply without valid grounds could result in legal and economic consequences, including disqualification from government tenders under the Employment Equity Act.

How Should Employers Prepare for the New Targets?

To meet the requirements of the amended Employment Equity legislation, designated employers should act without delay. Here’s how:

✅ 1. Review and Align Your Policies

Ensure you have a comprehensive and up-to-date Employment Equity Policy in place.
Develop or review your Diversity and Inclusion Policy to promote a culture of equity and non-discrimination.
Align all HR policies, including recruitment, promotion, and succession planning, with transformation objectives.

✅ 2. Conduct a Workforce Analysis

Assess your current workforce profile.
Identify gaps in representation and opportunities for skills development.
Draft a five-year Employment Equity Plan aligned with the proposed sectoral targets.

✅ 3. Strengthen Your EE Committee

Update the constitution and composition of your Employment Equity Committee.
Ensure the committee meets regularly and is equipped to drive change and monitor progress.

✅ 4. Issue Updated EEA1 Forms

Reflect the amended definitions, especially around persons with disabilities.
Ensure all new employees complete the correct version of the form for demographic tracking.

✅ 5. Implement Monitoring Systems

Set up or enhance internal tracking tools to monitor EE progress.
Integrate Employment Equity into your broader HR reporting and performance management framework.

✅ 6. Invest in Training

Train line managers and supervisors on their roles in implementing the new EE regulations.
Provide training to all employees on workplace equity, harassment prevention, and inclusive practices.

✅ 7. Develop Deviation Protocols

Create a formal process for recording and submitting justifiable reasons for non-compliance, should these arise.

What Happens Next?

After the February 2025 consultations, a final opportunity for public comment is expected before the targets are gazetted. Employers will then have a limited window to prepare for implementation.

Given the scale of change, it is essential that employers act now to ensure they are EE-compliant by the 1 September 2025 deadline.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Ministerial Sectoral Targets represent a landmark shift in South Africa’s employment equity landscape. These targets are not just a compliance requirement—they are an opportunity to embed transformation into the heart of your organisation.

With the clock ticking, the time to act is now.