President Cyril Ramaphosa has staunchly defended the Employment Equity Amendment Act, describing it as a vital instrument to dismantle the lingering inequalities of apartheid.
Writing in his May 2025 newsletter, Ramaphosa emphasized that the legislation promotes fairness and inclusion particularly for Black South Africans, women, and people with disabilities while affirming that it does not exclude any group.
His comments come in response to a legal challenge by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has taken the matter to the Pretoria High Court. The party argues that the Act’s sector-specific racial targets amount to unconstitutional discrimination and could harm both jobs and the economy. The DA contends that the law elevates race over merit, potentially marginalizing qualified candidates, especially from Coloured and Indian communities.
Ramaphosa has challenged the DA to publicly justify its opposition, insisting the Act is constitutional and crucial for building a more inclusive economy. As the court case continues, its outcome could have far-reaching implications for how South Africa navigates the tension between equity and merit in its transformation agenda.