Meth said that she had submitted the national labour migration policy and an amendment bill to the Cabinet earlier this week.
The government has pledged stronger enforcement of labour laws and greater protection of South African workers.
Speaking on Friday to a packed gathering of workers, employers and government stakeholders, during Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth declared her unwavering support for workers, vowing to take action against employers who flout labour regulations.
“There are jobs in South Africa, yes. But we become enemies when workers are exploited and when the labour laws of this country are not respected,” she said.
Inspectors to be reinforced
Acknowledging the department’s limited capacity, Meth revealed plans to strengthen the labour inspectorate.
“We only have about 2 000 inspectors responsible for more than 10 million businesses,” she said. “We are working like headless chickens.”
She announced that the first 10 000 new inspector posts are being shortlisted to enhance the department’s ability to monitor compliance.
“We must go to each and every employer who does not comply,” she said, adding that enforcement was long overdue.
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Labour migration policy under review
Meth confirmed that she had submitted the national labour migration policy and an amendment bill to the Cabinet earlier this week.
“It is a policy paper that will set aside certain categories of jobs for South Africans. We cannot allow a situation where our people are labelled as lazy while undocumented workers are employed under illegal conditions” Meth said.
She stressed that the government is not xenophobic, but insisted that employment opportunities must prioritise locals.
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Petitions spark ministerial visit
Meth’s visit followed several petitions from local workers which highlighted long-standing grievances including poor working conditions, exploitation of foreign labour and inadequate enforcement.
“Even though I heard that there are petitions still on their way, I came to listen first-hand. Some issues go beyond our department and will be taken up with other departments,” she said.
Issues raised include the implications of the national minimum wage on housing subsidies and workplace discrimination against those earning above the threshold.
Farm workers in focus
Meth acknowledged that farm workers in the region remain among the most vulnerable, often working in degrading conditions.
“We are dispatching a reinforcement team to conduct inspections. I’m not going to say where – but they are happening,” she said.
Meth urged collaboration across government, employers, unions and communities to tackle the country’s unemployment crisis, which currently stands at 32.9%.
“We are not here to respond to petitions only. We are here to act. Your voice is heard and not just heard, we will act on it,” she said.
The department will continue to host outreach programmes and on-site services to ensure workers’ grievances are addressed directly.
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