An employment equity candidate in the South African context refers to an individual belonging to a designated group defined by the Employment Equity Act. These designated groups include black people (which includes Africans, Coloureds, and Indians), women, and people with disabilities. These are groups that have been identified as having been disadvantaged by unfair discrimination in the past.
For instance, let's consider a hypothetical scenario involving a South African company, 'ACME'. If ACME were looking to hire a new team leader and had identified the need to increase the representation of black women in leadership roles, an employment equity candidate for this position would be a black woman.
By prioritising hiring employment equity candidates, FinServ would be taking active steps to redress historical imbalances and promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce.