‘Unemployment in SA main stumbling block in fighting poverty’

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The Department of Employment and Labour has vowed to prioritise the creation of decent jobs over the next five years.

Minister Nomakhosazana Meth was speaking during the tabling of the department’s budget vote for the 2024/25 financial year.

The budget allocation has been reduced by R11.6 million, bringing it to R3.8 billion.

Minister Meth told Parliament that the systemic nature of unemployment in South Africa is the main stumbling block in fighting poverty.

The minister lamented the issue of budget cuts and under-expenditure by government departments.

However, she insists government is committed to fighting the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

According to the minister, decent employment should be at the core of fighting poverty.

“As we embark on our term of office, the department will strive to meet its mandate of improving economic efficiency, facilitating decent employment creation and providing adequate social security and safety for vulnerable workers in our country. As South Africa celebrates its 30 years into democracy, it is important to note that the department has made great strides over the years and contributed to the advancement of workers in the country.”

The department also plans to recruit about a million people as part of facilitating employment opportunities after completing training.

Minister Meth also revealed that about R200 million worth of penalties imposed against companies that are flouting labour laws has been recovered.

VIDEO | Employment & Labour Department budget vote debate: