Job crisis requires urgent solutions

Unemployment among young people remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. This was confirmed by the deputy minister of Employment and Labour, Jomo Sibiya, on his visit to Ugu District recently, which saw a large number of young people register for job opportunities at an outreach programme at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre.

Sibiya noted that the number of registrations showed the scale of the unemployment problem in the district. He called for a stronger government collaboration with local businesses to stimulate job creation.

“This outreach programme is part of our services to bring government services closer to communities and raise awareness about programmes designed to support businesses, jobseekers and workers. We encourage businesses to comply with labour legislations and create jobs for unemployed youth.”

Sibiya stated that the department’s scope of work extends far beyond inspections and enforcement of labour laws and compliance matters, but warned businesses employing undocumented and illegal foreigners that they are in violation of labour and immigration laws and that employment must take place within the framework of the law.

“Many people believe we only exist to police workplaces or deal with UIF matters. In reality, we provide a wide range of services aimed at supporting both employers and workers. Ugu is strategically important to provincial and national government, it is rich in tourism, agriculture and manufacturing that stimulate economic growth. Unemployment is not only a government problem, it is a national challenge that requires all of us to work together to find solutions,” said Sibiya.

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