A pre and post election comparison of the affirmative action policies of South African listed companies

Abstract

A pre and post election comparison of the affirmative action policies of South African listed companies

Affirmative action can be described as the enforced empowerment and occupational advancement of historically disadvantaged groups. These disadvantaged groups can only be empowered and occupationally advanced once opportunities for occupational advancement, personal development and an improved quality of life have been created. In this article the influence of the first democratic election of 27 April 1994 on affirmative action policies o f the South African companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is investigated. Subsequent to the election a marked increase in the percentage o f listed companies applying affirmative action policies has been observed in respect of occupational advancement and personal development. An increase in the quality of life benefits and facilities made available to all employees is not, however, always evident.