Under-Representation of Coloured Population in Western Cape Senior Positions Draws Attention

Despite making up the majority portion of the population in the Western Cape, coloured people are scarcely represented in top and senior management roles, holding just 6.1% and 8.2% of such positions respectively. These statistics have prompted the Department of Employment and Labour to propose sector-specific Employment Equity (EE) targets designed to ensure a fair representation for all demographics within the province.

This measure comes as the department concludes its National Employment Equity Roadshow, a joint effort with the CCMA held in Cape Town. Tabea Kabinde, Chairperson of the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE), has voiced concern over the under-representation of the coloured community in various work sectors.

The director of employment equity for the department, Ntsoaki Mamashela, highlighted that the EE targets are not quotas and that no individual will be dismissed or retrenched in efforts to meet these targets. “EE and affirmative action seek to ensure maximum participation of every citizen in the country’s economy, inclusive of all population groups" stated Mamashela.

Matthew Parks, spokesperson for Cosatu, expressed concern over the commonplace overlooking of black and coloured individuals, as well as women, in many sectors. Meanwhile, Fadiel Adams, leader of the Cape Coloured Congress (CCC), lamented the ongoing marginalization of the coloured community in the province. He welcomed this recent initiative to address employment shortfalls, saying, “we’ve been tirelessly advocating for equal opportunities and equal representation for the longest time."