BOSA’s Fair Pay Bill aims to close South Africa’s wage inequality gap

South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world, and nowhere is this more visible than in the country’s pay packets.

Build One SA (BOSA) believes its proposed Fair Pay Bill could end salary discrimination and promote genuine equal opportunity in the labour market.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Employment Equity Act, aims to create fairness and transparency.

BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane said the call for transparency was citizen-led.

"South Africans have come out from various walks of life saying, we understand the context of this country, we want to make sure that if we're going to address inequality, let's be fair on pay."

A public hearing on Monday on the issue was attended by labour and business.

"In a sea of unemployment and people being desparate for work, if they're not willing to discuss their salaries, you can simply have other employers who are saying, actually, no, the half a loaf of bread argument – that half a loaf is better than no loaf... we don't have to pay you what you're worth because you're competing with thousands of others for the same job," said Maimane.

There should be no shame in transparency, he said.

"In transparency your negotiating power is far better."

If passed, the Bill would prevent employers being allowed to ask potential employees for past payslips when applying for a job or determining a salary.

It would also introduce a legal requirement for every job advertisement to disclose a salary range and would allow every employee the right to discuss a job offer or salary with other employees.

To listen to Mmusi Maimane in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click the audio below: