COSATU appreciates the support given by the ILO to South Africa's efforts to achieve employment equality
4 June 2026
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) appreciates the strong support given by the International Labor Organization's Standards Application Committee (CAS) to South Africa's efforts to achieve employment equity.
We are disappointed that our colleagues in organized business sought to refer South Africa's employment equity targets to the ILO. We welcome the clear vote of confidence by the ILO's CAS that such cases should first be eliminated by domestic parties and noting that high levels of inequality on the basis of race, gender and disability still exist in South Africa; Make employment targets and other supportive measures a requirement.
It is surprising that organized business decided to go to the ILO while employment equity targets are currently before the South African courts. Business as well as Solidarity, which has brought a similar non-arrest case to the ILO in protest of employment equality and will be considered at a later date, should exercise some patience and give the courts time and space to hear their complaints. Equally when courts have ruled, their decisions must be accepted, including when they do not find in their favour, which is often the case.
The key to unlocking economic growth is to ensure that all South Africans, black and white, women and men, and persons with disabilities; Equal opportunities are provided to find employment and enjoy a meaningful career path. If we do not act to remove the barriers to creating a non-racial society, we will never recover from three and a half centuries of institutional discrimination and disempowerment.
The reality is that many sectors of the economy and businesses are, to this day, off limits to workers simply because they are black, female or have a disability. The fact that 60% of management positions in the private sector are held by white men, who constitute 4% of society, should concern organized business.
The social media frenzy claiming that employment equality excludes whites from employment is simply false and should be rejected as such.
Unless these barriers to equality, including in the workplace, are tackled, South Africa will not reach its full potential. It is essential that organized business and solidarity accept this urgent and sober call.
Statement issued by Matthew Parkes (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator), 4 June 2026