On the first day of the Annual Employment and Labour Law Indaba 2025, held on 8 May 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Boksburg, the Department of Employment and Labour's Inspector-General, Aggy Moiloa, welcomed all stakeholders and attendees. She officially opened the event and emphasized the importance of compliance with labour laws.

Labour Court Judge Edwin Tlhotlhalemaje has bemoaned the extent of the backlog of cases currently facing the Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court.

He attributed some delays to individuals misusing the labour system for personal gain, stressing the importance of addressing these abuses to ensure the efficiency of the process.

The Judge was speaking yesterday (8 May 2025) during the first day of the Annual Employment and Labour Law Indaba 2025 edition held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Boksburg.

The Indaba, organised by the Department of Employment and Labour's Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch, is held under the theme : Labour Market Transformation Through Effective Social Dialogue as a way of encouraging maximum compliance with employment and labour laws . The event serves as a platform to promote social dialogue and engage stakeholders on the ongoing transformation of the South African labour market.

Delivering the keynote address, Judge Tlhotlhalemaje emphasised that the transformation of labour law is an evolving process, marked by the introduction of new rules and legislative amendments.

Judge Tlhotlhalemaje highlighted key developments, including the definition of unfair labour practices under the latest amendments.

These practices now encompass any act or omission-excluding strikes or lockouts-that may unfairly affect employees or their employment opportunities, work security, or the employer's business operations. Such acts may also contribute to labour unrest or negatively impact the employer-employee relationship.

In a notable update, media access to court proceedings will now be permitted to capture photographs and/ or videos at the discretion of the presiding judge - a move expected to enhance transparency.

The Judge also addressed the proposed amendments to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which have received Cabinet approval and are pending presentation to Parliament. One key proposal is the introduction of a voting mechanism that requires strike action to be supported by a majority of tribunal members before proceeding.

Also speaking at the event, Ms. Mandy Coetzee, Acting National Senior Commissioner for Social Justice and Training Academy at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), unveiled the organisation's new strategic plan for 2025/2026 to 2029/2030.

Titled “Momentum: Empowering Progress, Embracing Change ," the strategy aligns with the seven strategic priorities outlined by the Minister of Employment and Labour. It aims to guide the Department and its entities toward fostering a labour market that promotes decent employment and inclusive growth.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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