Designated Groups

'Designated groups' are defined as Black people, women, and people with disabilities who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth or descent, or who became citizens by naturalisation before 27 April 1994, or after 26 April 1994 if they would have been entitled to acquire citizenship by naturalisation prior to that date but were precluded by apartheid policies. These groups are the beneficiaries of affirmative action measures under the Act to redress historical disadvantages.

The term 'designated groups' refers to black people, women, and people with disabilities who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth or descent, or who became citizens before 27 April 1994, or after 26 April 1994 and would have been entitled to citizenship prior to that date but were precluded by apartheid policies. These groups are the beneficiaries of affirmative action measures aimed at redressing historical disadvantages in employment.

The Employment Equity Act, as amended, defines 'designated groups' as Black people, women, and people with disabilities. 'Black people' is a generic term encompassing Africans, Coloureds, and Indians. The definition of 'people with disabilities' was expanded by the 2022 Amendment Act to include individuals with a long-term or recurring physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may substantially limit their prospects of entry into, or advancement in, employment. Affirmative action measures are specifically designed to redress the disadvantages experienced by these groups.