Abstract
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.