Perceptions of progress in implementing employment equity at the University of Johannesburg

M.Comm.A considerable time has passed since the passing of the Employment Equity Act by the South African parliament in 1998. It is appropriate to evaluate the progress that the different organisations have made in the implementation of the requirements of the Act. This research focuses only on one organisation within the Higher Education sector. The study aims to explore the perceptions of progress in implementing employment equity at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). As an intended means of transformation, employment equity was hoped to fast track equity in the workplace, redressing the inherent employment disparities and imbalances as a result of a systemic history of discrimination in South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 1998). The objective of the present study was to assess the perceived progress in implementing employment equity at UJ. To collect data, a self administered questionnaire was electronically distributed to all employees of UJ who have access to the intranet (5100). Findings of the study reveal that the majority of the sample perceived UJ to have made poor progress in implementing employment equity. Recommendations are furnished to UJ with regard to developing practices that will progress employment equity within the institution