More than 1,000 young people gathered at Maduna Community Hall in uMzimkhulu Local Municipality as the Department of Employment and Labour brought essential government services closer to communities in KwaZulu-Natal, 28 August 2026.

The Department is ensuring that communities, particularly those in areas where access to government services may be challenging, are able to access employment-related services and information closer to where they live.

Senior officials from the Department, led by Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Public Employment Services (PES), Sam Morotoba, began the programme by engaging with employers on issues affecting the changing world of work, including the rapid growth of the platform economy.

Morotoba highlighted the need for organised labour and other stakeholders to explore new ways of reaching and organising workers who operate through digital platforms. He said the platform economy is expanding rapidly in South Africa and requires greater attention as increasing numbers of people work outside traditional employment arrangements and working hours.

He also called for stronger partnerships between the Department, universities and young people. Morotoba proposed dedicated engagements with university lecturers and students, as well as career fairs targeting students and schools in surrounding communities. These initiatives, he said, could help expose young people to employment opportunities while better preparing them for the world of work.

The DDG further encouraged employers and entrepreneurs to make greater use of government programmes and local economic development opportunities to support job creation and contribute to efforts to address unemployment and poverty.

“Let us get those profits observing labour laws and making sure that we observe the decent work principles," said Morotoba.

He said that productive workplaces are built through effective communication and by listening to employees. Workers, he said, can make an important contribution to innovation, productivity and improved business performance when they are given an opportunity to participate and share their ideas.

Morotoba called for stronger cooperation between government, employers, workers and communities, emphasising that South Africa's economic progress depends on these stakeholders working together to create decent work opportunities and build stronger communities.

While the engagement focused on broader labour market and employment issues, the Department's Public Employment Services (PES) was also on site to provide direct assistance to work-seekers. Officials assisted members of the community with registration and applications for available employment opportunities.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) also provided services and assistance to community members, ensuring that residents could access government services without having to travel long distances.

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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