Given the present climate of turbulence, increased competition and pressure for productivity, the need for a more strategically managed human resource development process is essential. The most important characteristic of business performance is management ability to transform the company and to adapt to the rapidly changing environment. Employment Equity is not about sophisticated or expensive programmes. It is as much about changing the culture of business as it is about the design of new procedures, skills and tools of management. It is our view therefore that if the company provides an environment for personal growth, it will grow itself.
Diversity encourages all individuals to contribute to the success of the business.
Through a diverse work force, creativity and innovation at the workplace will be enhanced. There will be greater teamwork and respect for all employees. The result will be improvement in morale and commitment from staff. This is the opportunity that the Employment Equity Act creates for enterprises and employers. Let me now turn to the contribution that the Employment Equity Act will make to the struggle of women for equality.