The act desires that suitably qualified people in all occupational categories be equitably represented in the workplace, with place being made for those who were excluded in the past. Diversity of the workplace and dignity for all are two other wants that the Act sets out. The Act also clearly states that measures to be taken include preferential treatment and numerical goals, but exclude quotas. However, affirmative action is still somewhat seen as a bogeyman lurking in the shadows ready to pounce on unsuspecting personnel, employing or promoting some at the expense of others with the same or similar qualifications simply because of race and gender. The white male is now regarded in some circles as an endangered species with poor employment and promotional prospects.
Affirmative action is neither poison nor panacea.
Based on the experiences of other countries and looking at South Africa s past inequality, affirmative action is one of the ways that is regarded as an active step toward equitable representation in the workplace. It is the misuse of affirmative action that gives it, and staff employed under its banner, a bad name. There is a disturbing trend in some areas to pay a sullen sort of lip service to affirmative action where designated affirmative action groups are employed or promoted, sometimes without the relevant skills needed in order to do the job, but because they are the right colour or disability. Many people employed or promoted under the affirmative action handle are more than capable of doing the job and exceed all expectations. However, it is patronising to assume that those affirmative action appointees without relevant skills are happy and satisfied in the job in which they find themselves.