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The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth along with the Deputies, Jomo Sibiya and Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala have welcome the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as a pointed, honest and solutions‑oriented reflection on the challenges confronting South Africa, particularly those related to unemployment, enforcement of labour laws and sustainable economic growth.

The Department notes with appreciation that the President directly addressed issues that fall at the core of its mandate, while also outlining high‑level interventions that provide a clear and practical roadmap for implementation across government.

"The President's address was frank and focused on the real challenges facing our country. Importantly, it did not stop at identifying problems but went further to outline workable solutions. As the Department of Employment and Labour, we are encouraged that many of the issues raised speak directly to our work," Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said.

Strengthening Enforcement Through Expanded Inspectorate

The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the President's recognition of the work undertaken by the Department in the inspection and enforcement space. “Of particular significance is the announcement of an additional 10 000 labour inspectors, a development the Department describes as a major milestone."

“This is a major boost to our enforcement arm. The addition of 10 000 inspectors will significantly strengthen our capacity to enforce compliance with labour legislation, protect vulnerable workers and ensure fair labour practices across all sectors of the economy," said Minister Meth.

Meth added that increased inspection capacity will enhance the department's ability to respond decisively to non‑compliance, unlawful employment practices and exploitation of workers, while supporting a more stable and fair labour market.

Unemployment and Youth Employment at the Centre

The Minster reaffirmed that unemployment, particularly 'youth unemployment', remains central to the Department's mandate. She said in line with the President's remarks, the Department is strengthening its coordination role, working closely with the Presidency and other stakeholders to implement programmes aimed at stimulating and reinforcing youth employment.

According to Meth, the interventions include:

 - Incentivising companies that prioritise youth employment, including through targeted tax rebate mechanisms;

  - Strengthening and maintaining employment platforms that assist unemployed young people to access job opportunities;

  - Refining policy instruments to ensure that employment opportunities increasingly prioritise South Africans.

Minister Meth said the Department is fine‑tuning its policy tools to ensure that South Africans are placed first in employment opportunities, while still ensuring compliance with the law and international obligations.

Regulation of Foreign National Employment

On Regulation of Foreign National Employment, Minister Meth said the Department strongly supported the President's emphasis on the need to intensify efforts to manage the influx of undocumented economic migrants, noting that this matter is already central to its ongoing work.

She said the Department continues to work collaboratively with sister departments, including the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS), to address undocumented employment and related challenges.

Meth highlighted that the Department is at an advanced stage of finalising the National Employment Policy and the framework on the regulation of immigration. These instruments, she said, will empower her to:

- Prescribe employment quotas for foreign nationals in specific sectors;

- Ring‑fence certain sectors wholly or partially for the employment of South Africans.

She said that in addition, amendments to the Employment Services Act have been introduced to strengthen the regulation of employment matters, including the employment of foreign nationals.

Agricultural Sector as Key Focus Area

Minister Meth welcomes the President's recognition of the agricultural sector as a critical contributor to the economy, food security and exports, including South Africa's position as the second‑largest exporter of citrus fruits globally.

“Given the sector's reliance on vulnerable workers and its economic importance, the Department has classified agriculture as a high‑risk sector from an enforcement perspective," Minister Meth said.

She said the Department has intensified all pillars of its intervention in the agricultural sector being advocacy, inspections and enforcement.  Minister Meth said the Department will continue to work closely with employers and organised formations such as Agri SA to strengthen compliance and protect workers.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

Noting the President's reference to signs of economic recovery and “green shoots" of growth, Minister Meth, said this must translate into jobs. “A growing and inclusive economy is key to addressing poverty, inequality and unemployment," Meth said.

Minister Meth appreciates the implementation of the decision to increase employment equity targets of persons with disabilities in the public service to 7 percent by 2030, and to mandate a 7 percent preferential procurement target across all government and public entities. She said this will assist in making sure that the Supported Employment Enterprises are capacitated to their full potential.

According to Acting Director General, Jacky Moilisane, the government continues to realise employment growth through: Public private partnerships, Youth focused initiatives, and support for small business and informal economy inclusion.

Minister Nomakhosazana Meth called on all South Africans to rally behind the vision outlined in the State of the Nation Address, noting that its successful implementation requires collective effort across government, business, labour and civil society.

For media enquiries, 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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