In a bold initiative aimed at reinforcing labour law compliance across the South Africa, Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has announced plans to recruit an additional 20,000 labour inspectors, a move that has ignited a fierce backlash from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Meth articulated the necessity of expanding the current workforce from 2,000 inspectors to 20,000, citing alarming unemployment rates, particularly among South Africa's youth, currently hovering at 33.5%.
She expressed concern regarding the employment of undocumented foreigners who are often vulnerable to exploitation, thereby undermining the country’s legal frameworks.
"Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely," Meth asserted.
She stated that the proposed expansion aligns with a nationwide inspection blitz that has already seen the Department of Employment and Labour carrying out significant inspections across provinces. The latest reports reveal the Western Cape is leading with 809 inspections, followed by Gauteng with 764 and KwaZulu-Natal with 535.
Meth indicated that the increase in inspectors would empower the department to conduct thorough audits and inspections, ensuring that all workers are treated with dignity and fairness.
However, the DA has reacted strongly against the minister's plans, accusing her of perpetuating race-based compliance under the Employment Equity Act (EEA).
DA Member of Parliament Michael Bagraim described the initiative as a "misguided initiative" that misallocates vital resources and invokes apartheid-era classifications which the party deems unacceptable in a democratic society.
"This approach is not only a regression to a system of race-based categorisation but also a blatant misuse of government power," he asserted during the party’s announcement.
Bagraim went further, revealing that the DA’s legal team is preparing to mount a possible legal challenge should Meth persist with her plans. They are seeking a declaration that both the EEA and its race quotas are unconstitutional.
"We are emboldened by our previous victories and will continue to fight until the ANC is forced to scrap the Race Quotas Act completely," he indicated.
The DA also pointed to criticism from the South African Human Rights Commission, which has previously stated that the EEA's definition of 'designated groups' is inconsistent with constitutional and international principles. This, they claim, undermines genuine transformation while risking deeper bureaucratic inefficiencies and increased economic stagnation.
In her response to the DA's opposition, Minister Meth stated, "The Department of Employment and Labour has taken note of the statement by the DA," reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring compliance with labour laws.
As this debate unfolds, the implications of the proposed inspectorate expansion resonate deeply within South Africa’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting the complexities of labour laws, compliance, and the ongoing struggle for equity in the workforce.
The Star
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