Several large companies accused of not having submitted equity reports for last year have proved they were blameless, Business Day reported on Wednesday.
It said they produced that proof that the department had, in fact, acknowledged receipt of their reports.
Some even showed correspondence of senior Labour officials thanking and congratulating them for their progress on equity.
The companies concerned included African Bank, Ceramic Industries, Netcare, Tongaat-Hulett, Ellerine Holdings and Gold Fields. They are listed on the JSE.
Labour Minister Membathise Mdladlana named a list of companies on Monday who he said were not complying with employment equity legislation.
Reporters were e-mailed a list of 1 000 companies, including 13 listed on the JSE, accused of not having submitted their equity reports last year.
Labour spokesperson Mokgadi Pela told SAFM on Wednesday: ”If there had been a mishap somewhere, we will obviously own up to that.”
A statement would be issued on the matter later in the day, he said. – Sapa