Developing a model for successful implementation of affirmative action in the South African public service

[摘要] English: During the apartheid era, the South African government introduced and enforceddiscriminatory policies giving unfair advantage to white people who enjoyed allthe privileges. The 1994 national elections meant the demise of an authoritariangovernment and heralded a transformation process to a democratic, non-racialand non-sexist society where human rights are provided for in the constitution.The new government has introduced affirmative action in order to eliminateemployment discrimination and to promote occupational advancement ofdisadvantaged groups, thus increasing their representativeness in managerialpositions.Affirmative action is a topical subject in contemporary South Africa with somegroups, especially those who are likely to benefit from the affirming processsupporting it, while those who are likely to part with the privileges that theyhave enjoyed for decades, strenuously rejecting it. However, it has to be bornein mind that affirmative action is a process and not an event. In countries likethe United States of America (USA) where affirmative action was firstintroduced many years ago, it is still not a success story. It needs carefulplanning and monitoring throughout its implementation in order to identify areasin the process that need to be adjusted or amended.Affirmative action should not be confused with retribution where white peopleare being punished for the privileges they enjoyed. It does not mean that whiteemployees should be removed from their positions and be replaced by blacks asthis may precipitate racial tension and bitterness. Affirmative action requirestraining and development of members from disadvantaged backgrounds, so thatthey are ready to move up the occupational ladder. They should take an activepart in their own development. The culture of entitlement which plagues theminds of historically disadvantaged groups should be eradicated. They shouldnot think that being beneficiaries of affirmative action entitles them tomanagerial positions without the necessary qualifications and skills. Each publicorganization should provide opportunities for training and development ofdisadvantaged groups, like study leave, financial assistance and on-the-jobtraining. Academic institutions should adjust their curricula to suit the needs ofpublic organizations.Commitment of top management, employees and unions is one of the importantingredients of affirmative action so that all stakeholders may cooperate indevising strategies for successful implementation of affirmative actionprogramme. The culture and mindset of the workplace should change. Thereshould be a change of perceptions and attitudes. It is necessary to departfrom the racist belief that anything that is African is inferior. What is needed isappreciation and acceptance of the cultural differences among employees whichcan contribute towards the effectiveness and productivity of a publicorganization. The caliber of employees should be considered in order to avoidtokenism and lowering standards. Where the disadvantaged background hasdeprived some people with potential of certain qualifications and experience,employees who have been selected would be trained in order to unlock theirpotential. A public organization should, where possible, employ the services of anaffirmative action officer or a senior manager who should be assigned the dutiesof an affirmative action officer. Such an officer should preferably be a memberof disadvantaged groups who would command respect and credibility within anorganization and be responsible for the day-to-day issues concerning affirmativeaction. He / she should work with an affirmative action steering committeewhich should consist of a cross-section of staff with equal representation from allstakeholders.Specific programmes should be developed to eliminate discrimination in allhuman resource activities like recruitment, selection, promotion, training anddevelopment and evaluation. There should be mechanisms to deal withgrievances and disputes regarding alleged discrimination.

[发布机构] University of the Free State