Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says her first 100 days in office signify not an "endpoint" but rather the beginning of numerous initiatives aimed at better serving clients and the country as a whole.
In addition, Meth said her department was consumed by fulfilling the mandate of job creation and protection of vulnerable workers.
The Minister was speaking at the Cape Town Labour Centre, where she was unpacking the first 100 days in office following the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“We are seized with the mammoth task of changing the trajectory of our economy into one that resonates with the resolve of the GNU to nudge actions that will advance the three priorities.”
These, she said, include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State.
Meth said they hit the ground running with the Deputy Ministers getting acquainted with the department, and strengthening cooperation with organised labour, organised business, social partners and civil society.
The leaders have also been participating in parliamentary processes, and ensuring accountability to the Portfolio Committee, Cabinet and Cluster Committee meetings.
The last three months have also been characterised by the Strategic Plan 2025/2030 of the department, which sets out the GNU strategic priorities and principles espoused by the statement of intent of the GNU.
Inspections and enforcement activities
Meth took the time to delve into the role of inspection and enforcement, saying these were critical to safeguarding workers' rights, ensuring compliance with labour laws and upholding fair practices.
According to the Minister, the department has jointly conducted more successful inspections, leading to 81 arrests of employers and undocumented immigrants.
The high-impact inspections and compliance raids targeted the hospitality, road and freight, textile, car manufacturing, and farming sectors, as these have high non-compliance with labour laws.
“During these inspections, we addressed non-standard employment practices that render workers vulnerable. We contributed to job preservation by ensuring that employed individuals enjoy the protection of their rights, which in turn enhances productivity and economic growth,” Meth said.
She announced that 17 662 national inspections were conducted during this period.
Out of the 17 662 inspections, 12 195 workplaces were compliant, while 5 494 workplaces were found to be non-compliant, with enforcement notices issued as a result.
TERS budget
Meth said during this period, there was an increase in the budget for the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), from R400 million to R2.4 billion for the current financial year.
“This significant boost aims to shelter companies in distress and prevent employee layoffs amid unstable economic conditions.”
Meth was of the view that the increase in the TERS budget was a proactive response to volatile economic trends that threaten the livelihoods of impoverished workers and the sustainability of businesses.
“Our goal is to preserve jobs and support companies facing financial difficulties. Furthermore, increasing the scheme's capacity aims to reduce the risk of further retrenchments and support economic stability.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, R65 billion was made available for TERS.
Meanwhile, Meth said Phase 3 of the “Follow the Money” project started in October 2024.
The project aims to verify the payment of R65 billion to 215 companies under the COVID-19 relief scheme.
To date, Meth said the project has recovered R1.2 billion since inception.
“Initially, the aim was to verify 50% of the amount paid, and now we want to verify the entire amount. Consequently, 27 audit firms have been appointed, and Phase 3 commenced in October 2024."
Ninety-six fraud cases were identified, 40 were presented to the court, and all were finalised. The highest conviction was 20 years of direct imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za
