Abstract:
The aim of this research is to determine the laws that regulate affirmative action in the
workplace and the impact Covid-19 has on affirmative action. This research focuses on
the history of affirmative action in South Africa and the United States of America. Both
countries have a similar history of discrimination and racial segregation. The United States
of America is one of the most progressive countries on the issue of affirmative action. The
comparison of South Africa with the United States of America will enhance the applicability
and effectiveness of affirmative action.
Past discrimination is a huge contributing factor to the imbalances and inequalities
experienced in the workplace. A measure in a form of affirmative action was established
to redress past injustices, however, there are many controversies around the topic and its
effectiveness. The Covid-19 pandemic has made matters worse in that many people have
been laid off, resulting in the retrenchments and the regress of affirmative action and its
purpose.
The findings of this research conclude that Covid-19 has negatively affected the process
of affirmative action. As such, employers during this trying time prefer only individuals who
are fully qualified and experienced as the employees have been reduced. As long as
affirmative action applies to individuals or a group of individuals with certain skin colour or
sex regardless of their past privileges this racial tension might never be relieved. In order
to effectively implement affirmative action, South Africa has to focus on the institutions that
cause the problem rather than dealing with the final results
