Employment and labour Deputy Minister, Honourable Jomo Sibiya, addressed the National Dialogue on Public Employment Programmes (PEPs) today 14 August 2025 at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Highlighting the urgent need for a unified framework to tackle South Africa's persistent unemployment.

Citing the employment services Act of 2014, Deputy Minister Sibiya emphasised government's mandate to create, regulate and coordinate work schemes for youth and vulnerable job seekers. While programmes such as the community works programme and expanded public works programme have created millions of temporary jobs since 1994, they have been hindered by governance, planning and implementation challenges.

With unemployment now at 33.2% Deputy Minister Sibiya noted that slow economic growth, structural unemployment, inequality, technological change, and the effects of the Covid19 pandemic have deepened the crisis. Research commissioned by the Employment Services Board recommended targeted youth interventions, competitive wages, and stronger reporting mechanisms to improve programme outcomes.

The Deputy Minister welcomed the development of a Draft National Public Employment Programmes Framework, in partnership with the ILO and the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit. The framework aims to guide all government departments in designing initiatives that create and retain jobs and facilitate skills development and job placement.

Deputy Minister Sibiya stressed that markets alone cannot resolve unemployment and called for public employment to be used as a complementary, alongside private sector growth. He urged coordinated efforts across all levels of government to ensure that public employment programmes deliver sustainable and meaningful benefits for South Africans.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Sibiya called for clear objectives, targeted interventions, and effective coordination across all levels of government. “Let us work together to turn the tide against unemployment by creating jobs, protecting incomes, and building a future where every south African can contribute to and benefit from our nation's growth," he urged.

In addition, Mr Dingilizwe Tshabalala from International Labour Organisation (ILO), expressed strong support for South Africa's Public Employment Programmes (PEPs), commending the government and its social partners for hosting the National Dialogue.Mr Tshabalala says public employment initiatives such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have long been central to addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality. According to the ILO, these programmes are not temporary relief measures but strategic tools for promoting decent work, enhancing livelihoods and building inclusive economies. 

The ILO reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical assistance, policy guidance and support to strengthen programme design and ensure employment created is productive, dignified and rights based.

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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