"An investigation into the implementation of employment equity plan - a case of triple "M" mining (PTY) LTD"

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of an employment equity (E.E.) plan at Triple "M' Mining, a mining services contracting company (service provider) operating at Anglo Platinum Mines of Rustenburg and Northam. The purpose of the study was to establish how Triple "M" is implementing its employment equity plan and whether or not possible causes for its failure could be identified. All the uncertainties relating to its implementation were investigated and recommendations were made. The question whether employment equity is being implemented correctly was likewise examined. Policies regarding job advertisements, recruitment and demographic representation of staff appointed to alleviate possible favouritism, window dressing and bias were also under scrutiny. The most important findings of the study were: ► The targets and strategic plans were not met and some stakeholders were not happy about its implementation, as the best practices from the industry were not followed. ► It was concluded that the policy is in place though it remained an espoused one and little attempts were made to make it operational. ► There was also a lack of top management commitment with regards to the implementation of employment equity even though the organisation complies with legal requirements. ► Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (people with disabilities and women) are not represented in the company despite the government requirement. ► Some participants felt that government should ensure compliance by exerting more pressure. ► It was further found that there was no implementation of the strategic employment equity action plan despite the fact that its policy existed in the company. The above-mentioned are critical success factors that can lead to an authentic implementation of the employment equity plan.