South Africa lost 345 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2026, with several major industries under pressure. South Africa’s unemployment stats in early 2026 are being driven by sharp contractions in a handful of major industries, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Stats SA. While some sectors recorded modest gains, overall […]
South African employers are being warned to prepare for increased scrutiny as authorities intensify inspections of businesses employing foreign nationals. This was highlighted in a recent case outlined by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), which underscored both labour and immigration risks businesses face. Employment experts and senior associates, Lee Masuku and Taryn York, explained that the case centred […]
Labour inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with South Africa’s labour laws, as President Cyril Ramaphosa announces plans to increase their numbers. Image: Facebook/ Department of Employment and Labour The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has issued a clarification to address the confusion surrounding the recent announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of […]
Following the conclusion of the first reporting period under the amended Employment Equity Act, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) is now moving to an aggressive enforcement phase. The department is training more inspectors, which has significantly increased the probability of a company facing an inspection. The Employment Equity Amendment Act of 2022 became […]
The Department of Employment and Labour has warned designational employers that they have until Thursday, January 15 2026, to submit their annual Employment Equity (EE) Reports. The midnight deadline marks the first year since the amendment to the EE Act became law. The EE Act now requires designated employers to prepare and implement EE Plans for the period from September […]
The Department of Employment and Labour says it will come down hard on any employers in South Africa who do not comply with the Employment Equity Act (EEA) and the new racial employment targets it set in April. Responding to a parliamentary Q&A, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said that the department has various enforcement measures at […]
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) is the next business interest group to take on the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) over its sectoral employment equity targets. The targets came into effect from 1 September 2025, requiring all businesses in South Africa, employing more than 50 people, to work out a five-year plan to make […]
Last week, the Pretoria High Court denied an interdict against the new employment equity quotas sought by Sakeliga and the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA). Both organisations have since announced their intention to appeal directly to the Constitutional Court. The appeal seeks to suspend the new targets and regulations, which came into effect […]
Employers across various sectors are expected to comply with the new employment equity regulations starting today. The Employment Equity Amendment Act of 2022 empowers the minister to set numerical transformation targets for different industries. While aimed at speeding up workplace equity, the Act has faced legal challenges from the DA and labour unions. Acting […]