The Department of Employment and Labour has called for stronger partnerships between government, employers, organised labour and communities to tackle unemployment, expand job opportunities and support local economic development in KwaDukuza on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
A ddressing employe rs and other stakeholders, Employment and Labour Deputy Minister (DM) Jomo Sibiya, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action to address South Africa’s unemployment crisis, part icularly among young people, while ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful and sustainable employment.
“Youth unemployment is one of the gre atest risks to South Africa’s social and economic stability. That is why the Govern ment of National Unity (GNU) has placed inclusive economic gro wth and job creation at the centre of its programme,” said DM Sibiya.
Deputy Minister Sibiya said KwaDukuza had significant opportunities to attract investment, grow local businesses and create jobs, particularly in sectors such as retail, tourism and construction. However, he said that infrastructure challenges, governance concerns and service delivery constraints continued to affect the local investment environment.
He called on government and bu siness to work together to remove barriers to investment, support local enterprises and connect young people to available opportunities. “The purpose of this session is to move beyond describing the crisis and agree on practical interve ntions,” DM Sibiya said, urging stakeholders to focus on improving municipal services, expanding workplace opportunities, registering vacancies, strengthening job matching and investing in relevant skills.
DM Sibiya also highlighted the importance of protecting workers and ensuring fair competition among bus inesses. Labour inspections, he explained, play an important role in ensuring compliance with labour laws and preventing responsible employers from being disadvantaged by those who ignore legal requirements or exploit vulnerable workers.
The Deputy Minister called on stakeholders to use the engagement to agree on measurable actions that would improve the investment environment, strengthen local businesses and expand access to decent work. For young people struggling to find employment, the success of these efforts will be measured not only by commitments made in meetings, but by the opportunities that follow.
Deputy Minister Sibiya urged employers, education and training institutions, and communities to turn their discussions into practical action, with the shared goal of transforming KwaDukuza’s economic potential into inclusive growth, sustainable jobs and renewed hope for young people.
In addition, Deputy Director-General for Public Employment Services, Mr Sam Morotoba, echoed the call for stronger cooperation between government and the private sector, saying the engagement was intended to create a shared understanding of local development priorities and how employers and government could work together to achieve them.
“The main reason for bringing employers together is to explore how government and the private sector can work hand in hand to create employment opportunities and suppor t local economic development,” said Mr Morotoba.
Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour is also rendering its basket of services at the Careers Fair held at Umfolozi TVET College in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal. Through its Public Employment Services, the Department is engaging with work seekers and providing access to employment-related support, including employment registration, career guidance, counselling and job placement services.
For media inquiries, please contact: Teboho Thejane, Departmental Spokesperson: 082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
