New Employment Equity Regulations and sectoral numerical targets

At a glance

• On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour announced the implementation of the Employment Equity Regulations 2025 (2025 Regulations), and the sectoral numerical targets (Sectoral Targets).
• The 2025 Regulations require designated employers to adopt a five-year Employment Equity Plan from 1 September 2025.
• Sector-specific transformation targets apply across 18 sectors, including a 3% disability employment goal.
• Meeting targets is essential for obtaining certificates to do business with the State.

On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour in South Africa announced the implementation of the 2025 Regulations, and the Sectoral Targets.

The 2025 Regulations require designated employers (ie those employers who employ more than 50 employees) to adopt a five-year Employment Equity Plan from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030, incorporating Sectoral Targets which take into consideration the economically active population in the country.

Sectoral Targets have been set for 18 sectors, across four occupational levels, and include a 3% disability employment goal.

Going forward, employers will only be able to obtain a certificate of compliance to carry out government work if they have met the applicable sectoral targets, have reasonable grounds for non-compliance, and have not received any complaints of unfair discrimination.