The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) Unit of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West Province of South Africa is urging employers to take the initiative in complying with labour laws. Instead of waiting for inspections, employers are encouraged to seek assistance from the Department for guidance on labour lawrelated matters.
The De Aar Employment Centre, located in the heart of the Northern Cape, serves as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the local community. The centre is part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Services (PES) initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and the job market by providing a range of invaluable tools and services.
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Boitumelo Moloi, unveiled a new Employment Centre in De Aar, a significant railway junction and wool production hub in the Northern Cape, aimed at helping job seekers and promoting entrepreneurship in the community. ### Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Services Initiative
The Northern Cape Province of South Africa holds the highest unemployment rate in the country. Almost 40% of its population currently struggles with unemployment. In response, National Careers Week’s “Pathways to Employment” career fairs aim to tackle this issue by providing job seekers with a platform to interact with potential employers and access training and job search resources.
Cape Town’s efforts to address unemployment have been successful, as the city has the lowest unemployment rate among South Africa’s metros. Mayor Geordin HillLewis recognizes the progress made but acknowledges that there is still much to do to foster economic growth, lift people out of poverty, and create jobs.
The Northern Cape Province is preparing for a significant event in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, SETAs, and the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality to host Careers Fairs during the National Careers Week from 24 to 26 May 2023. The main objective of the program is to provide job seekers with a platform to interact with potential employers and receive guidance on various employment and learning pathways.
The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape is extending its services to local communities through various initiatives ahead of the upcoming Presidential Imbizo in Paarl on 19th May 2023. These initiatives include Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Public Employment Services (PES), and Compensation of Injury on Duty (COID). Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will visit the area to support the Presidential Imbizo.
Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE) is committed to creating job opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) by developing partnerships with various economic stakeholders to facilitate their transition from education to the labor market. Vocational training is emphasized by SEE to broaden future opportunities for PwDs who are not academically inclined.
Agriculture is a vital sector in the South African economy, contributing to the nation’s employment growth and social stability. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Ms. Thoko Didiza MP, has expressed her encouragement regarding the sector’s overall contribution to employment in the country.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana presented the National Treasury of South Africa’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the government’s efforts to foster higher and more inclusive economic growth, address fiscal vulnerability, and stabilize public finances. The total allocated budget for the National Treasury amounts to R34.9 billion, with 85% allocated to transfers and subsidies.
The South African government has expressed optimism regarding the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey results, despite a rise in unemployment. The increase in the number of employed individuals is a significant development that offers hope for the country’s economic growth and recovery.
The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have made significant progress in recent years. However, with the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, it is crucial for these countries to demonstrate unity, solidarity, and camaraderie. The Second Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting concluded with Thobile Lamati, DirectorGeneral of the Department of Employment and Labour, emphasizing the need for member states to leverage their collective power in multilateral forums to advance common interests and protect their positions.
The BRICS partnership, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has the potential to significantly impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. The alliance aims to ensure that economic growth and decent work opportunities are distributed more equitably among disadvantaged groups.
At the second Employment Working Group (EWG) held in Port Alfred, South Africa, BRICS countries were encouraged to increase trade amongst themselves to promote economic growth within the bloc. ## Highlighting the Discrepancy in Trade
2023 Western Cape Prestige AgriWorker Competition Launches to Celebrate Agricultural Excellence ## Overview
South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.
