Department Of Employment And Labour
The Department of Employment and Labour is a South African national government department responsible for labour policy, employment services, workplace regulation and social protection programmes. The department's mandate includes administering labour legislation, promoting decent work, facilitating job creation, regulating occupational health and safety standards, and managing the Unemployment Insurance Fund. It oversees the enforcement of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act and employment equity legislation, working to balance the rights of workers and employers. The department operates public employment services to match job seekers with opportunities and implements programmes targeting youth unemployment, skills development and small business support. It houses the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, which resolves labour disputes, and the Compensation Fund, which provides benefits to workers injured on duty. The department also manages labour inspections to ensure compliance with workplace safety and employment standards across all sectors. It plays a key role in tripartite social dialogue through institutions such as the National Economic Development and Labour Council. The department was formed in 2019 through the merger of the former Department of Labour with employment-related functions, consolidating the government's approach to labour market policy and worker protection.
Department Of Employment And Labour Updates
Arrests, fines and imprisonment a reality for employers hiring illegal foreign nationals
11th August 2026 As Government intensifies enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, businesses found to be in contravention of the... →
South African clothing factories struggle after migrant workers flee
By: Reuters 6th August 2026 Weeks after xenophobic protests drove thousands of migrant workers from South Africa, rows of sewing machines stood idle at a clothing factory in... →
Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II sees surge in interest as fast-track work visa programme reopens
5th August 2026 Within days of the Department of Home Affairs launching the second phase of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), it is already seeing strong interest... →
South Africa: Draft Amended Code of Good Practice on the Preparation and Implementation of the EE Plan published for public comment
31st July 2026 On 24 July 2026, the Minister of Employment and Labour published the Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation and Implementation of... →
Tshwane calls on businesses to ensure compliance as joint labour enforcement operations continue
28th July 2026 The City of Tshwane is calling on all businesses operating in the city to ensure that they comply with South Africa's labour and immigration laws.... →
The Trusted Employer Scheme re-opens for Phase II
22nd July 2026 After much anticipation, the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) has re-opened for corporate employers who wish to express their interest in being... →
Trusted Employer Scheme round 2 accelerates international hiring and boosts business confidence in South Africa
20th July 2026 Government has officially opened the long-awaited second window for corporate employers seeking to become part of the Trusted Employer Scheme... →
Labour inspectors can now also enforce timely payment of retirement funds contributions by employers
17th July 2026 On 13 January 2026, the Minister of Employment and Labour withdrew the 2003 variation notice that had excluded the application of section 34A of... →
Employment of foreign nationals – What employers must know
18th June 2026 The employment of illegal foreigners has been widely covered in the news lately. Employers have come under increased pressure to take action and... →
Employers must ensure the legal status and safety of their foreign workforce as enforcement intensifies
10th June 2026 As South Africa sharpens its focus on immigration and labour law compliance, employers who have foreigners in their service, should take proactive... →
