Talent management through mentorship : a case study

M.A.The South African environment is unique when compared to the rest of the world in respect to the diversity of its population, past workplace imbalances and its recent democracy beginning in 1994. There are continuous changes from political, economic, social, technological and legislative perspectives that impact South African businesses directly or indirectly. In view of past socio-economical imbalances the government has put into place legislation, with the aim of increasing skills levels and empower designated groups through the Employment Equity Act (Republic of South Africa, 1998a), the Skills Development Act (Republic of South Africa, 1998b) and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (Republic of South Africa, 2003). The major challenge currently facing South Africa in fulfilling the country's legislative intentions (Republic of South Africa, 1998a,b) is the lack of skills and availability of employees to fill senior positions. The expectation of government is for businesses to achieve employment equity targets, develop skills of designated groups and achieve black economic empowerment, as designated groups appear to lack the required skills and experience to take up senior positions