Latest news with #DepartmentofEmploymentandLabour
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
MPs raise concern over slow transformation in top management across sectors
Members of Parliament who sit on the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour have raised concern about the slow pace of transformation at management levels across all business sectors. Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has raised alarm over the slow pace of transformation in top management across all sectors, saying the latest Employment Equity (EE) report confirms that voluntary compliance with transformation laws has failed. The committee was recently briefed on the Department of Employment and Labour's 2024 progress report, which analysed 29 269 quality EE reports, covering a total workforce of 7.7 million employees. According to the committee, the report reveals stark disparities in transformation at the top. Nationally, whites continue to dominate top management positions, making up 61.1%. Africans follow at 18%, Indians at 11.9%, Coloureds at 6.2%, and foreign nationals at 2.8%. 'Voluntary compliance with employment equity provisions has not worked,' said committee chairperson Boyce Maneli. 'The report vindicates the committee's long-held view. However, we are comforted that section 15A of the Employment Equity Amendment Act 4 of 2022 seeks to enforce compliance in line with the Constitution and international conventions.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The figures are particularly stark in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State, where the proportion of whites in top management positions is 56%, 54%, and 54% respectively. Maneli also emphasised the need to review the employment of foreign nationals. 'With the highest number of unemployment, jobs at semi-skilled and unskilled levels must be given to South Africans, especially those who are registered on the unemployment database of the department,' he said. 'Where foreign nationals are employed in terms of scarce skills, a skills transfer plan must be demonstrated.' He said the committee would engage the Portfolio Committees on Home Affairs and Trade, Industry and Competition in a joint meeting to further address this issue. The reaffirmation of the need for enforcement comes amid growing opposition to the Employment Equity Amendment Act. Last month, the National Employers' Association of South Africa (NEASA) and Sakeliga filed a legal challenge against the Act and its regulations. They argued that the numerical sector targets amount to unconstitutional racial quotas and pose a threat to business autonomy.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Whites still dominate top jobs in South Africa
The statistics contained in the 2025 Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) annual report forms part of the Department of Employment and Labour's basis to forge ahead with legislative amendments despite pushback from opposition parties, in particular the DA. Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers WHITES are eight times their Economically Active Population (EAP) at top management, while the black African population representation at just 18.0% is four times below their EAP. The white population in top management represents 61.1%, Indians 11.9% (four times their EAP) and Coloureds 6.2% while foreign nationals make for 2.8% at this occupational level. The statistics contained in the 2025 Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) annual report forms part of the Department of Employment and Labour's basis to forge ahead with legislative amendments despite pushback from opposition parties, in particular the DA. The party has confirmed it will legally challenge the government's attempt to narrow this inequality, which the department maintains does not bode well for the future sustainable economic growth of the country. 'Despite 31 years of democracy and progressive transformative legislation, there remains a need for further transformation and equality in the workplace. Diversity and inclusivity for all those persons previously disadvantaged in the workplace must now be heard, seen and felt. 'Moving forward, radical measures must be taken to capitalise on the opportunities in the workplace by developing, recruiting and promoting persons from the designated groups,' read the report. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Part of this includes amending the Employment Equity EE (Act), with a view of introducing a provision that allows for the setting of five-year sector targets. Speaking at a recent workshop in East London, the department's employment equity director, Ntsoaki Mamashela said: 'We have had more than enough engagement and consultation on the setting of sector numerical EE targets with various sector stakeholders, including through the publication of two sets of Draft EE Regulations on proposed sector EE targets for public comment in May 2023 and February 2024, respectively.' 'Let us give sector targets a chance to be implemented, and after five years we will review progress,' Mamashela said. The CEE report also shows that male representation remained dominant at the top management level, which is more than two-and-a-half times the female representation. Males are over represented in terms of their EAP (53.9%) and females are under-represented in terms of their EAP (46.1%). Only Africans and Coloureds are below their EAP in the private sector at this occupational level. The representation of the African population group (74.6%) is slightly below their EAP in government, while in the private sector the African representation continues to lag behind (14.7%) at top management level.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Labour minister pledges crackdown on labour law violations
Meth said that she had submitted the national labour migration policy and an amendment Bill to the Cabinet earlier this week. Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth Picture: Department of Employment and Labour 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, 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. ALSO READ: The dark picture of youth unemployment in South Africa 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. ALSO READ: DA slams Lesufi's 'failed' economic strategies as Gauteng reports job losses 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. NOW READ: Increased unemployment rate red flag for weak economic growth
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Government takes action on Community Work Programme amid national minimum wage demands
The Department of Cooperative Governance says a review is under way in the Community Work Programme after participants demanded to be paid the national minimum wage. Image: Lerato Selepe The government is reviewing its public employment initiatives, such as the Community Work Programme (CWP), as employees are demanding to be paid in terms of the national minimum wage. This has emerged from communication sent by the Department of Cooperative Governance director-general Mbulelo Tshangana, earlier this month in response to demands for the national minimum wage to be implemented in the CWP. 'The department (Cooperative Governance) is part of discussions that are led by the Department of Employment and Labour about the future of public employment programmes, which are funded through the national fiscus. 'The issue of minimum wage forms part of that review and outcomes will be communicated once such processes have been concluded,' he told CWP management, staff at site, district and provincial level, participants and financial administrators in a circular dated May 9. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ After Tshangana approved adjustments of between 5% and 7% effective from last month, stipends for participants are set at R120 a day, while supervisors receive R144 daily. Site administrators, safety officers, district managers, financial administrators, and provincial managers can be paid between R315 and R1,500 a day. The national minimum wage is nearly double the stipend paid to each CWP participant at about R29 an hour (or R230 a day). According to the Department of Employment and Labour, workers employed in another public employment initiative, the Expanded Public Works Programme, are entitled to a minimum wage of just under R16 an hour. Delivering the Budget on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated the CWP R10.3 billion, of which an estimated 70% (or R7.2bn) is set aside for participants' stipends and the remainder for items such as tools and materials, protective clothing, training, professional services, and programme overheads. The Department of Cooperative Governance plans to maintain the number of CWP participants in the programme at 178,860 over the next three financial years. The CWP was set up to foster social and economic inclusion by providing individuals with a source of income in targeted high-unemployment areas. It also offers participants valuable work experience, which the government hoped could significantly increase their access to broader career opportunities when they exit the programme. Earlier this year, participants aged 60 years and above were informed that their contracts were extended for a period of four months last month to the end of July and will not be renewed. 'The last payment will therefore be (on) August 25, 2025. All participants reaching an age of 60 years will be automatically exited from the programme as from August 1, 2025, in compliance with CWP implementation policy,' Tshangana reminded them.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Whites continue to dominate top management roles
Foreign nationals take up 2.8% of top leadership positions. The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has expressed serious concerns about the sluggish pace of progress in implementing employment equity across various sectors. During a briefing on Wednesday, the Department of Employment and Labour's progress report, committee members noted that despite legislative efforts, transformation at the top management level remains notably slow. Slow progress in top management Based on 29 269 quality employment equity submissions covering a workforce of 7 699 665 employees during the 2024 reporting period, the report highlighted stark disparities in workforce composition at senior levels. Whites continue to dominate top management positions, making up 61.1% of leadership roles nationally, while Africans represent just 18%, Indians 11.9%, and Coloureds 6.2%. Foreign nationals account for 2.8% of top management positions. The figures suggest a lack of significant movement towards equitable representation at senior levels, with several provinces showing stagnation. In the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State, the proportion of White individuals in top management remains particularly high, at 56%, 54%, and 54%, respectively. ALSO READ: 'Can you imagine our system being hacked': MPs sceptical of IEC's e-voting proposal Committee chairperson expresses disappointment Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, Boyce Maneli, criticised the failure of voluntary compliance to achieve meaningful transformation. 'The report vindicates our long-held view that voluntary compliance with employment equity provisions has not worked,' Maneli said. However, he noted that the Employment Equity Amendment Act of 2022, specifically Section 15A, offers hope for more stringent enforcement. The Act is designed to ensure that employment equity aligns with the Constitution and international labour standards, aiming for a fairer, more inclusive workforce. ALSO READ: Big changes coming for ID, passport applications and birth registrations – Home Affairs Foreign nationals Maneli also emphasised the need to address the employment of foreign nationals within South Africa's legal framework. While acknowledging that certain sectors may require foreign skills, he stressed that the country's unemployment crisis must take priority when filling semi-skilled and unskilled positions. 'With the highest number of unemployment, jobs at semi-skilled and unskilled levels must be given to South Africans, especially those who are registered on the unemployment database of the department,' said Maneli. He also pointed out that employers hiring foreign nationals for scarce skills must demonstrate a skills transfer plan to ensure local workers benefit from these positions. The committee will further explore the issue of foreign national employment in a joint meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition. NOW READ: FF Plus defends Afrikaner-only enclaves Orania and Kleinfontein, accuses EFF of being the real threat
