The Employment Equity Commission (EEC) has summoned 13 relevant employers to appear before a review panel due to non-compliance with the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act. The hearings, scheduled for 13 to 14 August 2025, is open to the public to attend and observe, as per the provisions of Section 38 in the Act. The summons has been made in accordance with the EEC’s mandate under the Act. 

Relevant employers (those that employ 10 or more employees) are legally required to implement affirmative action measures and submit annual reports to the commission. 

“The employers in question submitted their Affirmative Action Annual Reports to the commission for review. However, these reports were ultimately disapproved because they failed to comply with the specific requirements outlined in the Act. Due to this non-compliance, the commission issued summonses to address the deficiencies noted in the reports. It also retains the right to initiate criminal charges against employers for non-compliance, which constitutes offences under the Act,” reads a statement from Audrin Mathe, executive director (ED) in the justice and labour relations ministry. 

The statement, issued yesterday, added that a review panel, convened under section 35 of the Act, will conduct hearings to ensure relevant employers are held accountable for their employment practices. 

“The panel will provide a platform to evaluate whether genuine efforts are being made towards fair and equitable employment practices. The hearings will also serve as an opportunity for the review panel to mediate and persuade employers to address the shortcomings in their reports,” Mathe stated. 

The ED added that the public hearings support the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to redress historical imbalances and promote fair and equitable employment practices across all sectors of the economy. 

The commission is committed to correcting historical inequalities, increasing the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and fostering inclusivity, diversity, and non-discrimination in workplaces in every sector. 

Moreover, the review panel is expected to make a binding Final Order in respect of Affirmative Action Reports, which employers may not appeal against.

The summoned employers include Salt Company, Precision Fuel Services, Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Shilongo Leather Works, N\a’an Ku Se Foundation, Inter Africa Security Services, Asco Car Hire & Explore Africa Travel, Namibia National Training Organisation, Court Helicopters, Gmunder Lodge, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Synergy Foods as well as the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.