New Employment Minister Meth Expects To Create, Sustain 2.5 million Jobs

Newly appointed Employment and Labor Minister Nomakhosazana Meth emphasized the department's important task of bringing hope and substantive positive change for South Africans.

During a Ministerial Committee meeting, Meth was accompanied by Deputy Ministers Phumzile Mgcina and Jomo Sibiya alongside the department's Executive Committee's Acting Director-General Onke Mjo and Deputy Director-Generals.

Meth highlighted that South Africa continues to struggle with the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. She noted that unemployment rates remain high with the official rate at 32.9% and the expanded rate at 41.9%, as per the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Quarter 1 of 2024.

"The picture becomes dire when it comes to the youth unemployment rate with youth aged 15 – 24 years standing at 59.7% and youth aged 25 – 34 years standing at 40.7%," she said, SA News reported.

She added, "These statistics should remind us that the stakes are still high, and we must hasten to strengthen the implementation of interventions to dent the unemployment rate."

Meth emphasized the need for intensive collaboration to achieve substantive results that align with the department's objectives. She outlined six priorities for the seventh administration:

1. Increase employment opportunities in South Africa.

2. Ensure inclusive economic growth by developing industries.

3. Address the high cost of living.

4. Invest in enhancing human capital.

5. Defend democracy and promote freedom.

6. Better Africa and the World.

The minister stressed that these priorities should guide the Department of Employment and Labour's efforts, highlighting specific goals such as creating and maintaining 2.5 million job opportunities in community services and implementing an industrial strategy to stimulate growth and youth employment.

Furthermore, she said these priorities will provide social security through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund and ensure compliance with the National Minimum Wage across industries in South Africa.

"Ours in the seventh administration is to ensure that we shift gears and embrace the principles brought about by the Government of National Unity (GNU). I require active and impactful participation in the District Development Model (DDM) as that will continue to expand our reach as the department," Meth said.

The DDM aims to make government services more effective in 44 districts and eight major cities across the country. These areas are seen as focal points for improving service delivery and boosting economic development.