Build One South Africa (BOSA) today welcomes the initial public response to the Fair Pay Bill, confirming that more than 1 000 written submissions in support of the Bill have been received within just one week of its gazetting.
This early surge of participation sends a clear message to Parliament that South Africans are ready for a fairer, more transparent labour market. Parliament cannot refuse to recognise the urgent need to address the hidden inequalities that shape pay and hiring practices.
From graduates entering the workforce to professionals seeking to advance their careers, many have shared how opaque hiring processes and the use of salary history have locked them into cycles of underpayment.
This groundswell of support demonstrates that the Fair Pay Bill is not an abstract policy proposal, but a direct response to a deeply felt injustice in the South African economy.
The Bill, championed by BOSA in Parliament seeks to amend the Employment Equity Act to introduce three critical reforms. Ending salary history discrimination, mandating salary transparency in job advertisements, and strengthening equal pay for equal work.
At its core, the Bill aims to ensure that South Africans are paid based on their skills, qualifications, and the value they bring. Employers cannot rely solely on what potential employees were previously paid or where they come from.
The 30-day public participation process remains open, and BOSA encourages all South Africans to continue making submissions and sharing their experiences. Every voice strengthens the case for reform and helps ensure that the final legislation reflects the realities faced by citizens across the country.
Members of the public can still submit their comments via email at info@fairpaybill.co.za or through the online platform at www.fairpaybill.co.za.
In addition, South Africans are encouraged to sign the national petition in support of the Bill and to directly engage their Members of Parliament to urge them to back this important reform.
BOSA will continue engaging with stakeholders, political parties, and the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour to build broad-based support for the Bill as it progresses through Parliament.
This moment marks an important step toward restoring fairness, dignity, and transparency in South Africa’s labour market.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551