Botshabelo, South Africa – Botshabelo’s Industrial Park Digital Hub was the site of a significant announcement by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Wednesday. Nxesi revealed that internal government consultations on the National Employment Policy (NEP) have concluded. The Department of Employment and Labour is set to present the policy to the Cabinet by the end of February, initiating the process for public comment.
According to South African Government News Agency, who spoke during an employer briefing session, the NEP aims to drive demand-led employment growth. The policy is expected to provide a comprehensive framework addressing various employment issues, including the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP). Currently, both the NLMP and the Employment Services (ES) Bill are under consideration in Parliament.
The Minister emphasized the collaboration between the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs on the NLMP, highlighting its focus on foreigner employment issues. Nxesi issued a caution to employers hiring undocumented migrants, stressing the potential future complications and underscoring the urgency of addressing youth unemployment.
The draft NEP outlines multiple interventions, extending beyond the Department of Employment and Labour’s scope. These are designed to help South Africa achieve the employment targets set in the National Development Plan. Proposed measures include re-engaging discouraged and inactive job seekers through targeted actions at various levels, influencing investment, productivity, and employment outcomes.
Nxesi stressed that the successful implementation of the NEP and the National Labour Migration Policy would require cooperative efforts across different government departments and key stakeholders in the labour market. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening labour market interventions and supporting other employment initiatives already part of the macro-economic and fiscal policy framework.