Deputy Ministers, Ms Phumzile Mgcina and Mr Ntuthuko Mbongiseni 'Jomo' Sibiya, Acting Director-General, Ms Onke Mjo, Head of Project Management Office (PMO), Deputy Directors General, Commissioners and CEOs of our Public Entities, Chief of Staff in my office, Ms Nomfundo Douw-Jack whom you are all familiar with as the former CDPO of the Eastern Cape Province, Chief Directors Provincial Operations (CDPOs), Ladies and Gentlemen Good Morning.
I have taken the liberty to invite the Advisors of the former Minister of Employment and Labour to this meeting; Dr Lewis and Mr Mtinde – when time permits they will also provide me with the handover briefing on matters that they deem important for me to take forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today marks a significant milestone in our democracy - it is exactly 40 days since the remarkable day in our South African history, where the country held its 7th general elections. As citizens, we were given an opportunity once more to determine a government we wished for through the ballot. As we all know now, the ANC as the governing party has begun a process of establishing a Government of National Unit (GNU) and subsequent to that 10 political parties joined the GNU which meant there would be co-participation in Parliament and in government, this is history in making. The President of the RSA appointed me as the Minister of Employment and Labour, an appointment I am not taking for granted and regard as a privilege. I wish to acknowledge all my predecessors from the previous 6th Administration as well as acknowledge the important contribution that this Department made to the economy of South Africa and the pertinent role it plays in the labour market.
Placed before us is a mammoth task of ensuring that we move in earnest continuing to usher in not only hope to our citizens, but substantive positive change in their lives. This sentiment is in line with what His Excellency, President Ramaphosa said recently: “Even after 30 years of freedom and democracy, our journey towards the South Africa that our people truly desire is far from over. We still have more hills to climb". We shall therefore continue making inroads and securing lasting impact through the implementation of the mandate DEL and its entities are entrusted with.
Ladies and Gentlemen, our country is still struggling with the stubborn triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The scourge of unemployment remains a huge hurdle that the country is facing. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Quarter 1 of 2024, indicates that, the official unemployment rate is standing at 32,9% while the expanded unemployment rate is at 41,9%. The picture becomes dire when it comes to youth unemployment rate with youth aged 15 – 24 years standing at 59,7% and youth aged 25 – 34 years standing at 40,7%. These statistics should remind us that the stakes are still high and we must hasten to strengthen the implementation of interventions to dent the unemployment rate.
Today, is not only about meet and greet but more on getting appraisal on detailed overview of the Department of Employment and Labour including its Public Entities. My focus as the Minister of Employment and Labour goes beyond the Annual Performance Plan (APP) to a tangible transformation of the labour market and as a consequence, economic growth. We can only achieve substantive results through an intensive and collaborative mechanism that will propel all of us to realise DEL's objectives. Beyond today's Ministerial Committee (MC) meeting, I am planning to have one-on-one meetings with different branches and entities in order to get further insights on the programmes that define our work as DEL family.
In doing that, we shall be guided by the Manifesto of my organisation, the African National Congress which set six priorities for the 7th Administration as follows:
Priority 1: Put South Africa to work
Priority 2: Build our industries for an inclusive economy
Priority 3: Tackle the high cost of living
Priority 4: Invest in people
Priority 5: Defend democracy and advance freedom
Priority 6: Better Africa and the World
These priorities must find expression in the work of the Department of Employment and Labour family. All these priorities are directly linked to the mandate of the Department of Employment and Labour and these I have outlined as follows:
This priority aims to create and sustain 2,5 million work opportunities delivering public goods and services in communities. Our Department is mandated to work with work-seekers as well ensuring sustenance of work opportunities through different programmes.
The aim is to implement a cross-cutting industrial strategy that drives growth and creates opportunity for youth and other unemployed person. The Department through its programmes should intervene through targeted strategies to revitalise and diversify the manufacturing sector, skill and reskill workers and meet the new global challenge of climate change.
This priority will continue the war on poverty by providing comprehensive social security and basic services and addressing the impact of rising prices on households. Through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund, DEL must strengthen the systems to ensure an inclusive and extensive social security coverage for workers. Additionally, the continued enforcement of compliance with the National Minimum Wage across all applicable industries in South Africa becomes important.
Department of Employment and Labour as the custodian of employment law has a responsibility to ensure workplaces are free of traumatic events that somehow lead to mental illnesses like the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Working conditions in South Africa are deteriorating the quality of life of many workers. Workers including our own experience work-induced ailments and that require the Department of Employment and Labour to strengthen direct interventions through programmes that addressing such.
One of the key pillars of this priority refer to immigration and DEL as the custodian of employment law has a responsibility. The Inspection and Enforcement Services must continue in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs in ensuring compliance with employment law and Immigration Act is achieved. Having said that, we will have deliberations at Cabinet level and the coming Makgotlas, on the direction and objectives that we will take forward as the Government of National Unit in the 2024 – 2029 implementation plan period.
We must continue to strengthen relations with our stakeholders internationally and at regional level. United Nations Agencies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) continue to be significant as partners. The work that South Africa is undertaking within Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains our cornerstone in the African Continent.
Working with sister departments and entities must also continue and be strengthened especially within the Economic and Social clusters. The interconnectedness within the DEL family must also be strengthened as we will not reach our utmost best if we work in isolation of each other. Working together we can achieve more.
In conclusion, the 30 years we have traversed so far as South Africa, remain our pride and honour that translate into the strides made by government throughout. Ours in the 7th administration is to ensure that we shift gears and embrace the principles brought about by the Government of National Unity (GNU). I require an active and impactful participation in the District Development Model as that will continue to expand our reach as the Department of Employment and Labour. Our role at the International Labour Organization (ILO) cannot be emphasised enough as it is a vehicle in building a better Africa and the World.
I am expecting the DEL family to provide inputs towards finalisation of my first 100 days in office programme within 7 days. Acting DG working with my Chief of Staff will coordinate the inputs.
LET'S DO MORE TOGETHER
YOU ARE ALL WELCOME TO THE MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE MEETING.
THANK YOU
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