131 companies participated in the Awards, which are aimed at recognising the achievements of employers who further the purpose of the Employment Equity Act and identifying those who excel in capturing the true spirit of transformation.
"This was an honour for Capitol Caterers - particularly because ours was the only industrial catering company that was recognised at the Awards," says Eelco Camminga, CEO of Capitol Caterers. "This is confirmation that we are on the right track with our mission to develop all our employees so that they may share in the opportunities created through growth in the company."
The awards recognised companies that are actively implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment; promoting equal opportunity, diversity and fair treatment in employment and for the elimination of unfair discrimination; ensuring that suitably qualified people from designated groups have equal employment opportunities and have equitable representation in all occupational levels in the workplace; and transforming the workplace to achieve employment equity and diversity.
Retail chain Pick n Pay was named the overall private sector winner and the SABC the overall achiever in the public sector.
Janet Mill, Capitol Caterers HR Director was very proud that Capitol Caterers was invited to the awards event, "and that we were prepared to showcase the company in a report to the commission highlighting that Capitol Caterers promotes equal opportunity, diversity, and fair treatment within the workplace."
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was the keynote speaker at the event. He said, "Employment equity is about putting mechanisms and instruments in place to ensure that we forge a society where everyone has the opportunity to embrace their full potential without the threat of unfair discrimination.
"We therefore appreciate and applaud those employers that are being honoured here this evening. For them, transformation has become an essential part of their being. They seek a diverse, representative workplace that secures inclusive growth and shared success. Employment equity is truly about socio-economic development. It makes business sense to those companies that seek growth. Congratulations to all finalists and winners tonight. It is in our hands to make South Africa a home where blacks and whites, men and women, the young and the elderly, and those living with disability feel and experience that they truly belong," said Ramaphosa
