Affirmative action 1994-2004: A viable solution to redress labour imblances or just a flat spare tyre?

Abstract

This article explores the interesting and controversial question of whether affirmative action in South Africa poses a possible solution to redress imbalances of the past in labour circles. Is it permissible to sideline white males or people from more advantaged backgrounds in order to be seen to be complying with the provisions of affirmative action? Affirmative action became a 'buzz' word after 1994. Indeed, the Government of National Unity (GNU) had good intentions about redressing inequalities of the past through its introduction, but it is evident that between 1994 and 2004 affirmative action increased the very evil it seeks to cure, that of racial discrimination. Critics of this programme believed that affirmative action was a new form of job reservation. Others believed that it was apartheid reversed or reversed discrimination; and giving jobs on preferential treatment. Some dubbed it 'rent a black' programme. Some believed that affirmative action is an attempt to create 'Umlungu omnyama' (a white black man). The article also argues as to whether there is such a person as an 'affirmative action candidate'.