Cape town: Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth emphasized the government's commitment to prioritize South African citizens for job opportunities while maintaining a fair migration system. She detailed the government's efforts to reinforce labour market enforcement and labour migration reforms during a Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deep Dive Media Engagement session.

According to South African Government News Agency, the reforms aim to address high unemployment and curb unlawful employment practices. Meth highlighted the government's objectives to enhance labour market governance, regulate employment services, and uphold labour standards. The National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Services Amendment Bill are central to these efforts, providing labour inspectors with greater enforcement powers.

Meth stressed the importance of balancing job protection for South Africans with the need for critical skills in the economy. The reforms focus on preventing the employment of undocumented foreign nationals and encourage employers to utilize Employment Services South Africa (ESSA) for recruiting local workers.

The Minister refuted claims that South Africans are reluctant to work, pointing instead to a lack of employment opportunities. Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya supported this view, urging employers to stop favouring undocumented workers and warning of stricter penalties for violations of labour and immigration laws. The Employment Services Amendment Bill proposes fines up to R100,000 for non-compliance.

Sibiya noted that inspections have revealed significant violations in sectors like hospitality and construction, with 79 undocumented workers found on one construction site in the Western Cape. The government is also engaging with these sectors to ensure compliance.

Acting Deputy Director-General Thembinkosi Mkalipi explained that the National Labour Migration Policy, part of a broader reform package, aims to manage labour migration lawfully and inclusively. The government is collaborating with companies in platform and delivery services to boost employment for South Africans, countering perceptions that locals avoid certain jobs.

The labour migration reforms are integral to the government's strategy for improving labour market governance, tackling unemployment, and safeguarding labour standards. Minister Meth concluded that these measures will foster a fair, orderly labour market supportive of inclusive economic growth.