Leadership of Organised Labour:

Ms Mulalo Murudi: COSATU

Ms Nontembeko Luzipo: SAFTU

Ms Thirona Moodley: FEDUSA

Mr. Edward Thobejane: NACTU

Judge-President of the Labour Court & Labour Appeals Court: The Honourable Justice Mr Mogomotsi Edwin Molahlehi

The Acting Director General of DEL: Ms Jacqueline Molisane

Inspector-General: Ms. Aggy Moiloa

Chief Directors and Directors

Distinguished Guests and Speakers,

Labour Inspectors from all the Provinces

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is an honour and privilege to address this important event. I heartily welcome the opportunity to address foot soldiers and the real heroes and heroines of our Department. Especially against the backdrop of a new Service Delivery Model of the Labour Inspectorate, namely: High Impact Integrated Blitz and Inspections Camps. These have also been occupying space in the media. Yes, we were topical, and for all the right reasons. We are making shockwaves in all sectors, and the outcome of those inspections is a microcosm of the non-compliance patterns in problematic and high-risk sectors. Sadly, the number of recalcitrant workplaces remains stubbornly high.

The Employment Laws that are mostly flouted are as follows:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Compensation for Injuries and Diseases Act;
• Unemployment Insurance Act
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act and
• National Minimum Wage Act.

We dare not bask in the glory of success for too long. The demand for our services is growing by the day. The celebration of our 30-year-old democracy is bittersweet. A great number of the working community is exposed to hazardous working conditions. In most instances, there is a total disregard of employment standards. There is a deficit in Decent Work.  The cries of exploited workers have reached a crescendo. I will be failing in my duties if I do not ensure that our Department is as responsive to these cries as possible. It is for this reason that Project 20K is being implemented which, potentially, would enhance the visibility of the inspectorate. This would be done through incrementally adding 20 000 intern inspectors during the MTSF period.

The theme for our conference is: “Compliance Leads to South Africa's Prosperity & Development", need I say more….

I am particularly pleased that we have the leadership of Organised Labour in our midst. I am keenly looking forward to their messages of support to this conference. We believe that our social partners are part of the ecosystem of compliance. They are an indispensable voice on our pilgrimage towards Decent Work.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Second IES Conference that I am addressing since assuming the office as Deputy Minister of Department.  I am looking forward to engaging with you at this important gathering of practitioners, academics, the judiciary, managers, leaders of the trade union federations and employer organisations and other social partners. Our endeavours become consolidated and strengthened when we pull towards a singulars purpose. Collectively, we have a very formidable force of critical role players within the South African Labour Market gathered in one place.  This presents us with a unique opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue, enter constructive debates share knowledge and exchange views to ensure that our Department's mandate is significantly enhanced. According to Peter Drucker: “The most important thing in communication is hearing what is not being said". We can only decipher the unspoken words through effective listening. We should listen not only our ears, but also with our hearts and souls.

In the thirty years since the dawn of our democracy, our Government, standing on the shoulders of giants like Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and other Leaders, has remained steadfast in its commitment to the upliftment of the Working Class. The establishment of Trade Unions as crucial allies, has been central to our efforts in advancing worker rights, ensuring that the voices of the working masses are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping policy.

The enactment of progressive labour laws has fortified workers' rights extensively. Over the past thirty years, transformative labour laws have strengthened workers' rights and improved working conditions. Key among these are: The Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995) which established a comprehensive framework for labour relations and also provided workers the right to organise and engage in collective bargaining. The LRA also created the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), a critical mechanism for resolving labour disputes efficiently and equitably. 

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act No. 75 of 1997) set minimum standards for employment conditions across areas such as working hours, leave entitlements, and the termination of employment, thereby ensuring fundamental fairness and security for all workers.

The Employment Equity Act 1998 (Act No. 55 of 1998) is aimed at promoting economic development and social justice. The regulation of this Act seeks to rectify past discriminatory practices in workplace. The EEA requires that there should be affirmative action measures to ensure equitable representation of black people, women, and persons with disabilities.

One of the most transformative achievements in Government has been the enactment of National Minimum Wage Act 2018.  This was introduced to address the stark inequalities that had long plagued our nation. The National Minimum Wage has benefited approximately six million workers, lifting many out of poverty and fostering a more inclusive economy. This policy underscores our belief that economic justice is essential for the stability and prosperity of our nation.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather here at this important Employment Standards Conference, which coincides with 31 years of our democracy, we reflect on our journey over the past thirty one years. The path has been fraught with challenges, yet our commitment to the workers of South Africa has never wavered. Government reiterates its pledge to continue the struggle for economic freedom, to ensure that every worker receives a living wage, and to fight for the rights of all South African workers, including the working poor, indigent and unemployed. 

South Africa has many acute Labour Market problems such as:

• Low levels of job creation due to, inter alia, low levels of economic growth, negative elasticity between economic and employment growth and low quality of skills of the economically active population.

• Weak ability of the labour market to absorb the unemployed into employment owing to a sluggish economic growth, a preference of capital instead of labour, an inflexible labour market and low quality of skills of the economically active population.
  
   
• Low real compensation growth because of weak job creation, the inability of the economy to absorb the unemployed and low levels of entrepreneurship. These contribute to high levels of poverty and inequality.
  
   
• Many jobs which traditionally should be filled by the non-tertiary qualified are done by the tertiary qualified which gives rise to the lower than optimal absorption of the non-tertiary qualified. This is due to the skills quality and skills mix of the labour supply which only matches labour demand to a limited extent.

It is therefore imperative for Labour Inspectors to protect the gains of Government to advance Social Justice.  They play a critical role as DEL's foot soldiers in ensuring that employment and labour legislation are complied with; thereby contributing towards the transformation of the South African Labour Market.

In conclusion, I would like to quote the Father of our Nation, Nelson Mandela:

“Today we cross a critical threshold. Let us now, drawing strength from the unity which we have forged, together grasp the opportunities and realise the vision enshrined in this Constitution. Let us give practical recognition to the injustices of the past, by building a future based on equality and social justice.  In all sectors of our society - workers and employers; government and civil society; people of all religions; teachers and students; in our cities, towns and rural areas, from north to south and east to west - let us join hands for peace and prosperity."

In unity and solidarity, we march forward, inspired by our past victories and undaunted by the tasks that lie ahead. Let us continue to strive for a democratic, free, and fair South Africa where every worker's contribution is valued and their rights are fiercely protected.

I wish the IES Employment Standards Conference 2025 all the best.

I THANK YOU.​

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