Employment and Labour on labour law enforcement and advocacy for Inclusive Economic Growth

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) today, 28 May 2025, presented a strategic update to the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour, outlining its intensified efforts in monitoring, advocacy, inspection, and enforcement of labour laws. The briefing emphasised the department’s commitment to promoting decent work, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring a stable labour market.

The Deputy Minister, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabala, at the start of the meeting stressed the growing complexity of the labour market, shaped by globalisation, digitalisation, and precarious work arrangements. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) is responding by embracing technology, enhancing enforcement, and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as migrant and gig economy workers, said Nemadzinga-Tshabala.

Acting Director-General (ADG), Ms. Molisane, stated that IES remains central to achieving the Department’s vision of Decent Work, aligned with the International Labour Organization’s framework. ADG Molisane indicated that the IES is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labour market, shaped by globalisation, technological advancement, and shifting employment patterns.
The department also acknowledged the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, including law enforcement agencies, organised labour, and other government departments, in achieving its goals.

Inspector-General Ms. Aggy Moiloa highlighted significant achievements, including over 308,000 inspections in the past year and a record 89% prosecution referral rate for non-compliant employers. The IES model continues to evolve, addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, non-standard employment, and digital transformation.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to promoting decent work, inclusive economic growth, and labour market stability. The presentation outlined its strategic achievements and ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with labour legislation across South Africa.

The IES branch operates under a robust legislative framework that includes the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the National Minimum Wage Act, among others. These laws form the foundation of DEL’s mission to protect workers’ rights and promote fair, safe, and dignified working conditions.

A key focus of the presentation was the department’s advocacy efforts. Over the past three years, IES has significantly expanded its outreach initiatives. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, the department exceeded its target by hosting nine sector-specific seminars in domestic work, agriculture, and commercial fishing. Additional events included an Employment Standards Conference, a hospitality industry breakfast session, the Annual Labour Law Indaba, and the Employment Equity Dinner & Awards. These engagements have played a vital role in raising awareness and fostering a culture of compliance among employers and stakeholders.

Inspection activities have also intensified, with over 308,000 inspections conducted in the 2023/24 financial year, well above the planned target. These inspections are designed to ensure that employers adhere to employment laws, thereby supporting the broader goal of decent work and economic recovery. The inspections covered a wide range of sectors and were tailored to address emerging challenges such as remote work, non-standard employment, and climate-related workplace risks.

Monitoring and evaluation are conducted through DEL’s internal governance structures, oversight bodies, and inter-ministerial coordination groups. The implementation plan is designed as a living document, allowing for regular updates based on progress and changing labour market dynamics.

Enforcement remains a cornerstone of IES operations. In 2023/24, 99% of non-compliant employers were served with notices within 14 days of inspection. Of those who failed to comply, 89% were referred for prosecution. This high rate of follow-through underscores the department’s zero-tolerance approach to labour law violations and its commitment to holding employers accountable.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) was another major theme of the presentation. The IES reported a total of 107,808 OHS inspections in 2024/25, with an average compliance rate of 60%. The department continues to align its practices with international standards, including ILO Conventions 155 and 187, which recognise a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental right.
The IES Service Delivery Model integrates proactive and reactive inspections, capacity building through training and mentoring, and stakeholder engagement with employers, employees, the judiciary, academic institutions, and professional bodies. This holistic approach ensures that all facets of the labour market are addressed, with special attention given to vulnerable workers and high-risk sectors such as SMEs and the informal economy.

The IES is not only about enforcement but also about promoting a culture of decent work. The Department states, “Together, let us strive for a world-class labour inspectorate that fosters equitable, dignified, safe, and healthy workplaces for all.” Despite challenges such as limited resources and complex compliance environments, the department remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable change and support both employers and workers in building a resilient and inclusive economy.

Deputy Minister Sibiya, responding to comments and questions, emphasised the importance of prioritising labour matters within the justice system. “We urge the prosecuting authority to treat labour-related issues with the seriousness they deserve,” said Deputy Minister Sibiya. The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) is actively adapting to emerging industry trends. Our inspectors are being re-inducted and retrained to remain responsive to these evolving dynamics. As a department, we recognise the rapid pace of change in the world, and we are committed to evolving accordingly.”

DM Sibiya further highlighted the need for increased support: “There must be a firm commitment to allocating a larger budget to the IES and appointing additional inspectors. This will enable us to achieve more impactful inspection outcomes,” he stated. “Our inspectors often operate in challenging and hazardous environments, facing threats, and in some cases, even being confronted by aggressive animals when visiting certain farms.” Said Deputy Minister Sibiya.

Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

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