Jobs cannot be denied to South Africans aged 34–50, says Labour Minister
Meth says no South African may be excluded from employment on the basis of age.
Image: File
As unemployment continues to rise, Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth says no South African may be excluded from employment on the basis of age.
This comes as some sections of society have accused the government and the private sector of sidelining older workers while focusing on youth employment programmes in a country where job opportunities are scarce.
South Africa has one of the worst unemployment crises in the world. According to Statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate is 33.2%, while youth unemployment stands at a staggering 46.1%.
Responding to a parliamentary question from uMkhonto weSizwe MP Hazel Ntombenhle Mbele, who had asked about allegations that citizens aged 34 to 50 were being excluded from employment opportunities, Minister of Meth said no South African may be excluded from work on the basis of age.
"It is important to note that there is no law that permits the exclusion of any person from employment on the basis of age. In fact, section 6(1) of the Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998 (as amended), expressly prohibits unfair discrimination, whether direct or indirect, on any listed grounds, including age," Meth said.
"Any practice by an employer that excludes, or disadvantages work-seekers aged between 34 and 50 would therefore be in contravention of the Act".
She also said "any person who believes they have been unfairly discriminated against on the basis of age may refer the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or, where applicable, to the Labour Court".
"I would also like to bring to the attention of the Honourable member that, while employers may, in certain programmes or initiatives, prioritise the employment of youth to help address high levels of youth unemployment across different sectors in the labour market, such measures must be implemented in a manner consistent with the Act".
"They may not be used to unfairly discriminate nor to exclude individuals such as those between the ages of 34 and 50 from employment opportunities".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business