Pretoria: Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced the recruitment of 10,000 inspector interns who will be recruited from the end of January.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister made this announcement while addressing the NEDLAC Annual Labour School at Kievits Kroon, Pretoria. She noted the department’s inadequate inspectorate capacity and revealed plans to recruit a total of 20,000 interns. This initiative aims to enhance the department’s ability to ensure employer compliance with labour legislation across the country.
The Minister stated that the advertisement for the first cohort of 10,000 interns will be published in the Public Service vacancy Circular on January 31, 2025, with the remaining 10,000 to be recruited the following year. The additional inspectors are expected to significantly boost the department’s capacity to fulfill its mandate.
Minister Meth emphasized the importance of improving labour law compliance, particularly in under-monitored sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, the public sector, and the informal economy. She highlighted the department’s commitment to collaborating with unions and employer organizations to achieve these goals.
The Minister reiterated that the increased inspection efforts are crucial for safeguarding workers’ rights, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and upholding fair practices. She highlighted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s emphasis on improving compliance rates in the labour market as essential for protecting workers and their rights.
Minister Meth also addressed recent enforcement efforts, noting the department’s proactive approach to ensuring compliance with labour legislation. She mentioned the department’s high-profile inspections in sectors like hospitality, retail, and agriculture, which have garnered significant media attention. These inspections aim to ensure that employees are fairly compensated and that their working conditions comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Where non-compliance was found, the department has taken strong enforcement actions.