Honourable House Chairperson,
The ACDP notes that while some progress has been made in meeting strategic objectives of this Department, persistent inefficiencies and missed targets remain a concern.
The Department of Employment and Labour reported achieving 72% of its non-financial performance indicators for Q3, while critical programmes, particularly those aimed at youth employment and workplace inspections, continue to underperform.
The ACDP reiterates its call for a more agile and accountable labour administration, especially in light of South Africa’s high unemployment rate of 33% and youth unemployment rate of 62%, for those aged between 15-24 years old.
We support efforts to strengthen the Public Employment Services and expand UIF coverage, but the Auditor-General’s repeated findings of irregular expenditure and weak internal controls, must be met with consequence management. The Compensation Fund, in particular, continues to face backlogs and payment delays, undermining trust in the system.
The Department has been criticised for its slow response to workplace safety violations, especially in the mining and agricultural sectors. The ACDP calls for urgent reform in inspection protocols and enforcement capacity. On the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act, the ACDP reiterates its position, stating that transformation must be driven by merit, not political expediency.
We assert that decent work is not a slogan, it is a constitutional imperative! As Kingdom builders, the ACDP remains committed to a labour market that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all South Africans.
I thank you.
