The University of Cape Town’s employment equity (EE) plan highlights barriers to entry, growth and development for staff and incorporates corrective measures, such as, the review of employment policies, practices and procedures, the working environment and the institutional culture. This entailed exhaustive, institution-wide consultation and provided informative feedback on affirmative action measures that should enable the university to determine realistic EE targets and produce progressive actions.

The University Equity planning process is governed by the university policy, and equity plan. In order to implement the policy and plans, equity training is provided for. These governing documents and training opportunities are listed below.

EE policy

UCT’s EE policy is currently under review. The current policy is available from the plans and policies page.

EE reports

UCT’s annual statutory reports for the past five years are available from the plans and policies page.

EE plans

UCT’s most recent EE plan (2022–2026) was based on extensive consultation, including:

  • the Institutional Reconciliation and Transformation Commission Report
  • the Institutional Culture Survey.

EE training

EE workshop

Essential for all staff serving on selection committees.

The EE workshop provides:

  • an overview of the Employment Equity Act of South Africa
  • an understanding of EE regulations; discrimination and harassment prohibitions
  • knowledge of the role of an EE representative and guidance on following the recruitment and selection processes at UCT in relation to EE
  • how to recognise and deal with conscious and unconscious bias in selection and recruitment processes.
Chairpersons

Essential for all chairpersons serving on selection committees, including heads of departments and deans.

The workshop provides:

  • an overview of the Employment Equity Act of South Africa
  • an understanding of EE regulations, and discrimination and harassment prohibitions
  • an overview of the EE Plan and EE numerical goals and targets
  • knowledge of the relevant EE-related policies
  • role of the chairperson in relation to EE objectives
  • guidance on following the recruitment and selection processes at UCT in relation to EE
  • how to recognise conscious and unconscious bias.
Disability sensitisation training for all staff

The disability workshop provides an overview of disability as per the Employment Equity Act of South Africa and related legislation. It provides an understanding of the definitions of disability, as well as, services offered by the institution.

UCT sexual misconduct training (Course number 11004)

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: This programme is designed to empower and equip staff members with the information and knowledge about sexual offences in the workplace. This programme is useful for those supervisors, team leaders and first line managers who may be expected to implement measures involving sexual offence accommodations.

Visit the HR website for upcoming dates and times of training, as well as a booking form.

Otherwise you may email Cecil Peters if you have any queries.

EE reports

UCT’s annual statutory reports for the past five years are available from the plans and policies page.

EE reps

EE representatives play an important and active role on selection committees and advise on short-listing of candidates.

Checklist for EE representatives serving on selection committees