The Department of Employment and Labour Acting Director-General, Jacky Molisane, has called on employers to strengthen partnerships with government to advance decent work, improve compliance with labour legislations and support inclusive growth.
Acting Director-General Molisane was addressing employers and other key stakeholders during the employer breakfast session in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, on 16 July 2025 as part of the Department’s outreach programme which brings government services directly to communities.
She said the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to improving access to employment and labour services while addressing historical inequalities that continue to affect many communities.
“The Department of Employment and Labour firmly believes that effective labour market regulation and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. They complement each other. Businesses thrive where labour relations are stable, where workers feel protected and where government creates an enabling environment for investment and growth,” said Acting Director-General Molisane.
Reflecting on the significance of Port St Johns and the wider OR Tambo District, Acting Director-General Molisane acknowledged the area’s long history as a major labour-sending region to South Africa’s mining sector. She noted that many former mineworkers returned home with occupational diseases, injuries and unclaimed benefits after years of working under difficult conditions.
She said the Department’s outreach programme seeks to correct these historical injustices by ensuring that workers and former mineworkers have access to the services and benefits due to them.
Ahead of the employer engagement, the Department conducted a series of build-up activities across Port St Johns, including integrated inspections in the construction, hospitality, wholesale and retail sectors in partnership with relevant stakeholders and the deployment of mobile government services.
Over the past three days, the Department also provided services to more than 1 000 clients through the Public Employment Services (PES), the Compensation Fund (CF) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
During the outreach programme, the UIF paid R412 044.44 in benefits to 112 beneficiaries, while 433 former mineworkers received assistance with enquiries relating to their claims and benefits.
Acting Director-General Molisane emphasised that employers remain strategic partners in driving economic development and job creation, adding that compliance with labour legislation should be viewed as an investment in worker protection rather than simply a legal obligation.
She said compliance ensures that workers who lose their jobs, fall ill, take maternity leave or experience other unforeseen hardships have access to social protection that prevents families from falling into poverty.
Marking Nelson Mandela Month, Acting Director-General Molisane encouraged employers and social partners to continue working with government to build workplaces that uphold dignity, protect workers and expand opportunities for all South Africans.
For media inquiries, please contact: Teboho Thejane, Departmental Spokesperson: 082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
