A qualitative study of employment equity gap challenges: responses and solutions in a local government

Abstract

Purpose: Remarking on the rife in employment discrimination across racial, gender, and persons with disabilities in South Africa, sparse policy measures have been enacted to address these challenges. To address this gap, the study seeks to assess the impact of employment equity (EE) implementation on the municipality and how employment equity management challenges can be mitigated. Design/Method/Approach: The interpretivism research philosophy and qualitative approaches were used in this study. A total of 15 unit managers were purposively recruited and interviewed in November 2021. The quality of the qualitative data was ascertained through the four indicators of trustworthiness including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The NVivo (v12) software was employed to identify themes and the Content Analytical Tool was used to make sense of the themes. Findings: The significance of employment equity in the municipality include increased awareness of affirmative action policy in the areas of gender equality and the promotion of organizational diversity, an upturn in employee motivation and sense of belonging irrespective of race, gender, and ethnic colouration, and the promotion of more women to senior management level. Change in culture and orientation, management program and commitment to employment equity implementation, leadership management program, and talent identification and plan for succession were shown as measures for addressing employment equity challenges. Practical Implications: The study recommends the application of a strategic policy as more critical to addressing the challenges of EE. This perspective indicates that EE should be strongly cherished as an instrument for the creation of a new South Africa devoid of employment discrimination. The study also recommends a more responsive monitoring, evaluation, and compliance effort of municipalities in their capacities toward addressing EE challenges. This recommendation is no doubt important as it will sustain municipalities’ efforts at maintaining challenge-free EE implementation and increased zeal for the identification of scarce skills from the designated areas to fill the vacuum of EE in the municipality. Originality/Value: Although there are available commentaries on the impact of EE on organisations in South Africa, the originality of this present study can be uncovered from the attempt in proffering solutions to the management of EE, specifically in the context of the eThekwini Municipality of South Africa which sparsely researched. Research Limitations/Future Research: This study provides a good account of the challenges and management of EE through the qualitative account. Future studies can look at the research problem through a quantitative approach and a comparative study of municipalities can give a broader o review of EE in the Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa.