More than 47,000 jobs were saved in South Africa over the past year following interventions by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), highlighting the government’s efforts to protect employment amid the country’s persistent unemployment crisis.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said more than 357,000 job seekers received counselling during the last financial year, while over 116,000 were placed in employment opportunities.
More than 1.1 million work seekers were registered during the same period.
The department also reported that its programmes created tens of thousands of new employment opportunities, including through the Labour Activation Programme of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
The programme supported more than 174,000 participants and contributed to the creation of 93,730 jobs.
Meth also pointed to efforts to strengthen workplace protections. The department’s Inspection Services conducted more than 309,000 inspections aimed at ensuring employers comply with labour laws and protect workers’ rights.
The National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) also created more than 96,000 employment opportunities during the financial year, while the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative continues to support young people seeking work.
The minister said government was targeting sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture to expand employment opportunities.
She also highlighted the National Labour Migration Policy and proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act as measures intended to support employment opportunities for South Africans.
The figures come as Parliament continues to scrutinise government’s response to South Africa’s high unemployment rate and concerns over workers’ wages, job security and workplace conditions.