Publication of the 2025 Employment Equity Regulations and Sectoral Numerical Targets

On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour repealed the Employment Equity Regulations of 2014 and, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Employment Equity Act, 1998, promulgated the Employment Equity Regulations, 2025. In addition, in terms of Sections 15A(1) and (2) of the Act, the Minister published a notice identifying national economic sectors and determining the applicable sectoral numerical targets, which take effect from the date of publication (2025 Regulations").

The 2025 Regulations introduce significantly more robust compliance obligations and stricter enforcement mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the newly established five-year sectoral numerical targets. Designated employers are now required to develop and implement an Employment Equity (EE) Plan covering the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030. Employers who become designated after 1 April 2025 are required to formulate an EE Plan for the remaining duration of this period.

In preparing an EE Plan as contemplated under Section 20 of the Act, designated employers must refer to the relevant Codes of Good Practice issued under Section 54. The EE Plan must, at a minimum, include all elements set out in the EEA13 template as prescribed in the 2025 Regulations. When developing EE Plans and setting annual numerical targets in their workplaces in terms of Section 20(2) of the EEA, designated employers must take into account -

(a) their workforce profile,

(b) the relevant 5-year sectoral numerical targets; and

(c) the applicable EAP.

The Regulations are available at the following link: Employment Equity Regulations and Sectoral Numerical Targets

The sectoral numerical targets are the following:

We will be publishing an updated guideline on the recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act shortly, in light of these regulatory developments. Please keep an eye out for further updates.