The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) welcomes the positive labour-market developments highlighted in Cabinet's 5 December 2025 statement and reaffirms its commitment to advancing decent work, skills development, and workplace safety.

Key Highlights for Stakeholders:

•Jobs Growth: South Africa added 248,000 jobs in Q3 2025, while unemployment decreased by 360,000, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey.

•Youth Pathways: The Youth Employment Service (YES) has reached 202,558 quality work experiences, supported by over 1,900 corporate partners. DEL will deepen partnerships to convert these experiences into sustainable employment.

•Worker Protection: Cabinet announced the appointment of a new Compensation Fund Advisory Board, strengthening governance and service delivery for injured workers and their families.

•         Skills Development: New leadership across SETA Accounting Authorities will accelerate workplace-based learning and artisanal pathways aligned to industry demand.

•         Safer Workplaces: DEL aligns inspections and employer standards with the Cabinet's GBVF Programme of Action, ensuring workplaces are safe and respectful.

Acting Director-General, Ms Jacky Molisane's Comment:

“With 248,000 additional jobs and a significant drop in unemployment, our focus as a department is on locking in these gains through decent work, skills development, and strong protections for workers. From youth pathways to workplace safety, DEL is driving a whole-of-society approach to inclusive growth."

For more information on DEL services, please visit www.labour.gov.za

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

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

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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