Why is the “E” in DEI important?

Tabea Kabinde

The South African government established a statutory body known as the Commission for Employment Equity. This was established in terms the Employment Equity Act of 1998 (EEA). The function of the Commission is to advise the Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour on the code of good practice, regulations, policy and other matters concerning this act. In addition to the strategic functions, the Commission may make awards recognising achievements of employers in furthering the purpose of this Act, research and report on matters relating to the application of the Act, and perform any other prescribed function.

Tabea Kabinde is the Chair of the 5th Commission for Employment Equity in South Africa. In addition to her role as Chair, she serves as a Senior Advisor at Aye, a transformation company, and holds positions on various boards in the private and non-profit sectors. Her extensive involvement in the Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations (APSO) was marked by her instrumental role in driving the Transformation agenda within the Recruitment Industry Body, eventually becoming the President of APSO. She also participated in the Confederation of Associations in the private employment Sector, an umbrella body representing the unified voice of the South African staffing industry. With over 20 years of experience in Diversity, Inclusion and Transformation, she is well-suited to lead this commission, providing advice to the Minister of Employment and Labour in the South African government and facilitating dialogues, including at the United Nations at the Commission on the Status of Women.