A bleak picture has been painted of transformation in the workplace with the Commission for Employment Equity concluding that at the current pace, it will take at least 50 years to see real change. The commission’s latest report shows that whites still have a tight grip on top management positions.

While whites only constitute 9% of the economically active population (EAP), they occupy almost 65% of top posts. Blacks who make up nearly 80% of the EAP, occupy less than 16% of these positions. For Indian’s its under 11% and for Coloureds the number drops to under 6%.

Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi says these figures are a wake-up call for government that self-regulation by employers to achieve the objectives of transformation has not worked. He says more aggressive strategies are required.

Guest: Tabea Kabinde – Chairperson of the Employment Equity Commission