(Archive photo)
The use of race in job advertisements is a self-imposed practice that is in no way required by law. This according to dr. Dirk Hermann, CEO of Solidarity, who says there is no law that forces businesses to post race requirements.
“Unfortunately, some employers have a misconception about this. There is also no law that prevents employers from hiring the best candidate on the basis of merit. On the contrary, even existing racial legislation prohibits absolute exclusions on the basis of race,” says Hermann.
Solidarity says it notices that many employers often go beyond what the law requires out of habit or fear and thus themselves maintain the current racial distribution. However, according to Hermann, employers have the ability to change this practice.
“We don’t have to wait. 90% of employers are probably frustrated with race laws, but many of them still keep them going themselves. It’s time for employers to start dismantling the system that is suffocating them,” says Hermann.
Solidarity emphasizes that the organization is already fighting against racial legislation on several fronts, including through international complaints and local court actions. However, it is a long process.
The process will be further intensified this year to rid South Africa of “racialism in the workplace” in the near future, says Solidarity.
“Employers can start today by not voluntarily imposing race requirements where they aren’t necessary. They don’t have to. The starting point is simple: Remove race from advertising and focus on merit.”
“If it has an influence on your racial figures, report it and submit it. The government will then have to explain why it is wrong to appoint the best person. This will only further expose the moral bankruptcy of the current dispensation,” says Hermann.
Solidarity’s position is that “immoral racial legislation” has no place in the workplace and that this simple action – to remove racial requirements from job advertisements – can make a significant contribution to changing this.