Labour Department reflects on first 100 days of GNU

Labour

Cape Town — The Department of Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, discussed some of the key issues the department has tacked in the first 100 days of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

During a media briefing, the Department appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour to present the 2024/25 Annual Performance Plan.

Meth revealed the Department registered more than 772 000 workers on the ESSA system, while more than 52 000 work seekers were placed in registered work and learning opportunities, while 180 474 work seekers were provided with employment counselling.

“During the first 100 days, we prioritised and participated in various key department initiatives, even at an operational level. These initiatives have increased the Department’s visibility, improved legislative compliance, provided services to communities, and enhanced the Department’s image,” she said.

The Department also outlined the inspections and enforcement activities which included 17 662 national inspections, of which 12 195 were deemed compliant, and 5 494 were found non-compliant. The total value of notices came to R24 266 758.

According to IOL, the inspections were conducted with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Transport, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, and the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector.

From the resulting inspections, 81 employers and undocumented immigrants.
“Our high-impact inspections and compliance raids targeted hospitality, road and freight, textile, car manufacturing, and farming sectors as these are high on non-compliance with the labour laws,” Meth said.

During these inspections, on-standard employment practices that render workers vulnerable were addressed and ensured job preservation with employees enjoying the protection of their rights, which in turn enhances productivity and economic growth.

In the first 100 days, the Department announced an increase in the budget for the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) from R400 million to R2.4 billion for the current financial year.

“This significant boost aims to shelter companies in distress and prevent employee layoffs amid unstable economic conditions. Our goal is to preserve jobs and support companies facing financial difficulties. Furthermore, increasing the scheme’s capacity aims to reduce the risk of further retrenchments and support economic stability,” Meth said.

Phase 3 of the “Follow the Money” project started in October 2024. The project aims to verify the payment of R65 billion that was made available as a temporary relief for employers/employees.

According to Meth, to date, the project has recovered R1.2 billion.

“Initially, the aim was to verify 50% of the amount paid, and now we want to verify the entire amount. Consequently, 27 audit firms have been appointed, and phase 3 commenced in October 2024.”

Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Picture: X/@GovernmentZA

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Matthew Petersen

Article written by