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Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Star Opinion

Employment Equity must uplift the poor, not just the privileged few

Call for fairness

Published

Unemployed graduates Let’s make sure rural youth, unemployed graduates, and township communities aren't left behind while a select few rise highe,r.says the writer.

Image: Phill Magakoe AFP

I fully support transformation, but the way Employment Equity is being amended raises serious concerns.

It was meant to redress apartheid injustices and uplift those who are still struggling — yet now it seems to benefit those who are already doing well.

When policies reward the already wealthy or well-connected, the poor stay poor, and inequality deepens. That’s not justice — that’s elite capture. We need a transformation that is class-conscious, not just race-based.

Let’s make sure rural youth, unemployed graduates, and township communities aren't left behind while a select few rise higher.

Let’s keep equity focused on empowerment, not enrichment.

Mbongeni Tshabala

Public Management Graduate | DA Activist