Minister of Employment and Labour: Promoting Opportunities for the Youth

South African Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, encouraged job seekers to use every opportunity to gain employment and refine their skills at the Youth Career Fair and Service Delivery Event. He also cautioned against paying fees for job placement and falling prey to job scams on social media and highlighted the benefits of digitization in job hunting. Nxesi emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions to fuel the South African economy and underscored the value of seeking guidance from mentors and employment counsellors.

Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi addressed the Youth Career Fair and Service Delivery Event, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to fuel the South African economy. He encouraged job seekers to use every opportunity to gain employment and refine their skills, while cautioning against paying fees for job placement and falling prey to job scams on social media. Nxesi also highlighted the benefits of digitization in job hunting, praising the mobile units obtained in collaboration with the European Union as a solution for remote communities.

On January 24th, 2024, the Youth Career Fair and Service Delivery Event was graced with a remarkable address from Thulas Nxesi, the Minister of Employment and Labour. The event was a significant gathering of diverse stakeholders, such as government officials, traditional leaders, community organizations, and representatives from the private sector. Most importantly, the audience comprised the youth, affectionately referred to as ‘batsha’ by the Minister.

Encouraging Systemic Solutions for Economic Growth

Nxesi’s discourse focused on the need for comprehensive solutions aligning with employer requirements, thereby fuelling the South African economy. His words provided insight into the key goal of the event – to cultivate an atmosphere favourable to service delivery and job opportunities. He emphasized the significance of collective action, with various levels from National, Provincial, District, and Municipality converging on the common goal – Serving the people.

Nxesi’s address also detailed the initiation of these service delivery initiatives. Earlier in the week, officials were seen actively participating in employment counselling, processing employment applications, and verifying employer compliance at Barolong Hall, in Thaba Nchu. The Minister seized the moment to motivate all job seekers to take advantage of every job opportunity presented and to use the career information offered at the career fair to gain a foothold in the challenging job market.

Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Not only did Nxesi’s address discuss the present, but it also paid homage to the past and looked forward to the future. He shared a personal story about how his parents once had entry-level jobs, proving the potential for upward mobility. He encouraged young people to appreciate all work, regardless of its type, as a chance to discover and refine skills and talents. He underscored the value of seeking guidance from mentors and employment counsellors, stressing the importance of perseverance, personal responsibility, and a growth mindset.

Nxesi also tackled the issue of manipulative practices by dishonest employment agencies, urging young job seekers not to pay fees for job placement. He appealed to young people to expose such incidents and reminded them that these services should be free according to the South African labour laws. Nxesi took a firm stand against job scams on social media, cautioning the youth against falling prey to deceitful schemes promising guaranteed job placement in exchange for money.

The Digital Revolution in Job Searching

Nxesi spoke about the digitisation of job hunting and its benefits. He spotlighted the role of the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and their digital collaboration with the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. The Minister stressed the convenience of digital systems, which can be accessed remotely from anywhere, keeping up with global trends.

Nxesi commended the mobile units obtained in collaboration with the European Union, presenting them as shining examples of progressive technology. These units, armed with laptops for on-site counselling and advice, were praised as a solution for remote rural and urban communities struggling to access Employment and Labour Centres.

Earlier on the day, Nxesi had a productive meeting with Employers and Trade Unions at the Digital Hub, eBotshabelo. The key purpose was to address their concerns and provide clarity on aspects of labour laws to encourage job creation and assist in combatting poverty and inequality.

Inspiring the Youth for a Brighter Future

The Minister wrapped up his address by extending his best wishes to the Career Fair attendees and expressing optimism that the information provided would be useful.

In his address, Nxesi’s fervent belief in the strength of collective action, the significance of learning and growth, and the necessity to embrace technological advancements was evident. His dialogue with the audience was both a reflection on the current situation and a prompt for a vision for the future. His message served as a reminder that every job, regardless of its simplicity, holds the potential for growth, and that the journey towards success often starts with an entry-level job.

What was the focus of Thulas Nxesi’s address at the Youth Career Fair and Service Delivery Event?

Nxesi’s address focused on the need for comprehensive solutions aligning with employer requirements, thereby fuelling the South African economy. He emphasized the significance of collective action, with various levels from National, Provincial, District, and Municipality converging on the common goal – Serving the people.

What did Nxesi caution against in his address?

Nxesi cautioned against paying fees for job placement and falling prey to job scams on social media.

What did Nxesi highlight the benefits of in job hunting?

Nxesi highlighted the benefits of digitisation in job hunting, praising the mobile units obtained in collaboration with the European Union as a solution for remote communities.

What did Nxesi underscore the value of?

Nxesi underscored the value of seeking guidance from mentors and employment counsellors, stressing the importance of perseverance, personal responsibility, and a growth mindset.

What did Nxesi encourage job seekers to do?

Nxesi encouraged job seekers to use every opportunity to gain employment and refine their skills, while cautioning against paying fees for job placement and falling prey to job scams on social media.

What was the significance of the mobile units obtained in collaboration with the European Union?

Nxesi commended the mobile units obtained in collaboration with the European Union, presenting them as shining examples of progressive technology. These units, armed with laptops for on-site counselling and advice, were praised as a solution for remote rural and urban communities struggling to access Employment and Labour Centres.