by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth / X: @deptoflabour
With only 2%-5% of workplaces currently inspected, the expansion aims to close longstanding enforcement gaps.
Stephen Grootes speaks to Tony Healy, labour consultant at Icon Labour Consultants, about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plan to hire 10,000 additional labour inspectors in South Africa.
A proposal by President Cyril Ramaphosa to dramatically increase the number of labour inspectors in South Africa could cost the government about R10 billion over the next three years, according to new information released in parliament.The figures were provided by employment and labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth in a written reply to a parliamentary question from Andile Nchabeleng of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.The plan, first announced during the State of the Nation Address in February, would see 10,000 additional labour inspectors hired to help enforce labour laws across the country.
With only 2%-5% of workplaces currently inspected, the expansion aims to close longstanding enforcement gaps.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the current inspection system only reaches a very small portion of workplaces.
Data collected by the department over almost 20 years shows that only about 2% to 5% of workplaces in South Africa have been inspected or reached through enforcement and education programmes.
And with South Africa’s large labour market, the department says it is difficult for inspectors to monitor working conditions and ensure companies follow labour laws.
Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Tony Healy, labour consultant at Icon Labour Consultants says there seems to be a focus by government to remedy this.
“What we’re seeing now is a very significant step whereby the number of inspectors is being increased by more than five fold, as is the budget. And that will take the number of annual workplace inspections from around 300,000 to approximately 1,6 million.”- Tony Healy, labour consultant – Icon Labour Consultants
“It’s going to take some time for these inspectors to be trained up in the various pieces of legislation. The whole thing of the employment of foreign nationals is a huge focus. Payment of minimum wages is a huge focus, and health and safety issues are a huge focus.”- Tony Healy, labour consultant – Icon Labour Consultants
“The intention is, as we’ve seen in so many areas of law, what’s the point of having the legislation if there’s no compliance? There’s absolutely no doubt, this is a significant step, and is most certainly going to increase the monitoring and enforcement of compliance in the field of labour law…”- Tony Healy, labour consultant – Icon Labour Consultants.
Source: https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/03/09/10-000-new-labour-inspectors-may-cost-taxpayers-r10bn-over-three-years
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Global Business Solutions joint-CEO John Botha
The publication of the Labour Law Amendment Bill in Government Gazette No. 54220 on 26 February 2026 marks the most comprehensive review of South Africa’s employment legislation in more than a decade.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and National Minimum Wage Act following an extended NEDLAC negotiation process conducted between April 2022 and October 2024.
While significant consensus was achieved on institutional reforms affecting the Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), several substantive provisions carry notable economic, compliance and governance implications that will now be tested during the public comment phase prior to Parliamentary consideration.
What Emerged from the NEDLAC Process
The NEDLAC negotiations resulted in several areas of consensus between organised business, organised labour and government. Among the agreed amendments is the introduction of an earnings threshold of R1.8-million per annum, limiting reinstatement as a remedy in non-automatic unfair dismissal disputes. Compensation caps linked to CPI adjustments were also incorporated.
The Bill further simplifies the statutory test for procedural fairness, aligning it with prevailing jurisprudence by requiring that an employee be afforded a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond.
Start-up businesses with fewer than 50 employees will benefit from a two-year exemption from extended bargaining council collective agreements. Amendments to section 189A rationalise large-scale retrenchment procedures, restoring the ability to challenge dismissals post-implementation and reducing procedural duplication. A 24-month validity cap on section 77 socio-economic protest certificates has also been introduced.
Taken together, these amendments reflect a negotiated recalibration of certain procedural and remedial mechanisms within the existing labour framework.
Provisions with Material Economic and Compliance Implications
Several proposed amendments carry significant economic and compliance implications.
Statutory severance pay is set to increase from one week to two weeks per completed year of service. For organisations engaged in periodic restructuring, this amendment may necessitate revised workforce cost modelling and financial planning assumptions.
The proposed extension of the definition of “employee,” through a new Schedule 11 to the Labour Relations Act, seeks to extend organisational and collective bargaining rights to certain non-standard and platform-based workers. This represents a potential structural shift in the regulation of emerging work models.
The cost and operational implications of large-scale reclassification remain uncertain and will likely require further interpretative guidance.
Proposed protections for “on call” workers under section 9B of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act introduce minimum pay guarantees and advance notice obligations. These provisions may affect sectors reliant on flexible staffing arrangements.
The amendment to the National Minimum Wage Act, following the Labour Appeal Court’s decision in the Quantum Foods matter, clarifies the exclusion of certain contractual bonuses from minimum wage calculations.
Proposed amendments to the Employment Equity Act concerning arbitrary wage differentiation further signal increased regulatory attention to pay equity compliance.
The Public Participation Phase
The public comment phase now underway constitutes a critical procedural step within the legislative process. Submissions received during this period may influence the refinement, amendment or reconsideration of contested provisions before the Bill is formally introduced in Parliament.
The Labour Law Amendment Bill now enters the formal public participation phase prior to Parliamentary deliberation. The extent and substance of stakeholder engagement during this period may shape the final legislative architecture governing South Africa’s employment relations framework.
Written by John Botha, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions (GBS), a South African workplace and labour advisory firm specialising in employment law and workforce governance
Source: https://www.polity.org.za/article/labour-law-amendment-bill-2026-legislative-developments-and-economic-implications-2026-03-02
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Minister of employment and labour Nomakhosazana Meth. File photo (Freddy Mavunda/Business Day)
Meth says expansion aims to close enforcement gaps as only 2%-5% of SA workplaces are currently inspected
The department of employment and labour has estimated that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposal to appoint 10,000 additional labour inspectors could cost about R10bn over the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), according to a written parliamentary reply.
The figures were disclosed in response to a question from MK Party MP Andile Nchabeleng to employment and labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth about the feasibility and cost implications of the plan announced during the state of the nation address on February 12.
In her reply to the National Assembly, Meth said the expansion of the inspectorate is intended to address longstanding gaps in labour inspection and enforcement around the country.
Administrative data collected by the inspectorate over nearly two decades shows only about 2%-5% of workplaces in South Africa have been covered through advocacy, inspections and enforcement activities.
Meth said the scale of the labour market far exceeds the current inspection capacity. She cited several indicators of the number of workplaces operating.
These include Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Survey, which uses about 20,000 VAT-registered businesses in the formal sector, and the Commission for Employment Equity report, which recorded 29,269 designated employers that submitted employment equity reports in 2024.
Other estimates referenced by the department include about 4-million registered companies recorded by the South African Revenue Service and about 2.7-million small, medium and micro-enterprises estimated by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The department also referred to guidelines from the International Labour Organisation, which recommends a ratio of one labour inspector for every 10,000 workers in developing economies. South Africa currently has about 16.8-million employed people, excluding workers in the informal economy and some SMMEs, which further increases the scale of the inspection challenge.
Meth said appointing an additional 10,000 inspectors would “significantly improve the operational reach of the inspectorate and make an impact in the South African labour market”. The department said the increase would also help respond to growing demand for its services, including the regulation of undocumented migrant workers.
Financial estimates contained in the reply indicate that employing 10,000 inspectors would cost about R3.7bn a year in salaries and wages. Over the MTEF period, the total cost is expected to reach about R10bn.
The projected expenditure would cover basic salaries, leave pay and gratuities, performance-based allowances and bonuses, statutory contributions such as pension and medical aid, as well as tools of trade required by inspectors.
The department said funding for the initiative is expected to come from the National Treasury, which typically finances commitments announced by the president during the state of the nation address.
Meth also confirmed that a detailed project and implementation plan is still being developed. Once finalised, the framework will first be submitted internally for approval before being tabled. The department indicated that the implementation framework is expected to be completed by March 13.
Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-03-09-r10bn-plan-to-hire-10000-labour-inspectors/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Rishav Juglall (supplied)
Firm manufactures, supplies cleaning products
Rishav Juglall is the entrepreneur behind Rocky Brands, a business that has created 48 employment opportunities.
Based in Midrand, Rocky Brands manufactures and supplies high-quality cleaning products to retailers across SA.
In 2022, Juglall’s business was named Pick n Pay Business Supplier of the Year. And in 2023, his company secured R15,7-million in blended funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
The IDC, an entity of the trade, industry and competition department, drives job creation through industrialisation and supports businesses owned by black people, women and youth to build a more inclusive economy.
“The funding helped us to buy more equipment, and that enabled our production process to be mostly automated, saving us money and time and contributing to the well-being of our employees because they work less overtime to meet deadlines,” explained Juglall.
The investment also allowed Rocky Brands to upskill staff to operate the new machinery and warehouse equipment, while bulk stock purchases have reduced input costs.
Juglall, who holds a qualification in marketing and economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, identified a gap in the market for affordable, quality cleaning products.
Inspired by his mother’s struggle to find reasonably priced products — including a cleaning agent for her glass-top stove — he launched the business 15 years ago.
Its main manufacturing plant operates from Riversands in Midrand, supported by distribution depots in Durban and Cape Town.
In 2011, when Juglall was just 22, he had a vision of transforming the cleaning products sector in SA.
“At the time, I could only find an Australian import, and it was expensive. I then found Weiman products on Amazon, and the reviews were very impressive. I reached out to the brand and sealed a deal to supply South African retail stores with Weiman products, and that’s how I started my business,” he said.
His company became the sole distributor for Weiman products in SA at the time, supplying major retailers.
The company began manufacturing approximately 90% of its products in-house from 2016.
“The shift to local production not only supports the South African economy but also gives us greater control over the quality and sustainability of our offerings,” Juglall said. “We were one of the first black-owned businesses in SA to supply Woolworths with cleaning products from 2023.”
Today, Rocky Brands manufactures and delivers cleaning brands including Goo Gone, Orange, Wright’s, Weiman, Earth Friendly, Magic Eraser and Clean Start. The company supplies Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar, Checkers, Bidvest Prestige, Supercare and House & Home, among others. — GCIS‘s Vuk’uzenzele
Source: https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-03-10-rocky-brands-cleans-up-as-it-drives-job-creation/#google_vignette
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Walmart proudly opened the doors of its third South African store at East Point Shopping Centre in Boksburg on Saturday 28 February 2026, welcoming customers, community members and local partners to a vibrant, fun and memorable opening day.
From early in the morning, shoppers gathered in anticipation, eager to experience Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices and extensive range of fresh, grocery and general merchandise offerings. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as customers explored the new store, engaged with Walmart associates and enjoyed opening-day celebrations designed to reflect a mix of Walmart culture with local SA flavour.
The Boksburg opening builds on the strong momentum from successful launches in Clearwater and Fourways, where customers have also enthusiastically embraced Walmart’s Every Day Low Price philosophy. This new location marks the start of an accelerated rollout, with a further 21 stores proposed in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Walmart is firmly establishing a broader national presence to deliver affordable, high-quality merchandise to South African consumers.
André Steyn, Vice President of Format Acceleration at Massmart, reflected on the excitement of the store’s launch, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the strong turnout. “We’re grateful to have seen so many families come out to join us to experience this opening. We can’t think of anything else that’s so suited to a great day out for them than that fun, welcoming and exciting energy of a Walmart store opening,” said Steyn.
Every Day Low Prices Customers Can Trust
With Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices, Boksburg customers can confidently shop on their own schedule and trust that they will always get the lowest total cost for the trolley of products they need, at the quality they expect, without having to wait for short-term promotions or worrying about constantly fluctuating prices.
Commenting about Walmart’s Every Day Low Price track record in South Africa, Steyn says, “Since opening our first Walmart store at Clearwater Mall, we have been pleased to see independently published total price comparisons confirming that Walmart has delivered a low-price advantage on a comparable trolley of everyday essentials, including bread, milk, eggs, rice, sunflower oil and sugar.”
One Stop in-Store Shopping & Walmart Shopping App Convenience
Customers at the Clearwater and Fourways stores were thrilled with the one-stop convenience of an exceptional product assortment that combines fresh food and groceries alongside a carefully curated range of family and home entertainment items, all available under one roof. Popular customer picks from Walmart Clearwater and Fourways, included affordable roast chicken quarters, delectably marbled sirloin steaks from the butchery, Dr Pepper drinks, Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s chocolate bars. At Walmart Boksburg, early feedback from customers highlighted that they enjoyed the unbeatable prices on everyday groceries and consumables including eggs, Coca Cola and All Gold tomato sauce. Boksburg customers also appreciated the wider range of appliances, including fridges, vacuum cleaners, and water dispensers. These additional products were introduced in response to customers who have already shopped at the Clearwater and Fourways.
For even greater convenience, shoppers can download the Africa version of the Walmart shopping app to take advantage of the retailer’s 60-minute express delivery service. With 99% of its first-time online customers expressing a firm intention to place repeat orders of fresh food, groceries, adult beverages and small appliances, Walmart has now extended its 60-minute online delivery service from a radius of 5km to 8km from its stores.
Support for Local Community & Small Suppliers
In line with Walmart’s passionate commitment around the globe to local communities, this new Boksburg store has created 80 jobs and strengthened ties with small local suppliers like Ekurhuleni-based household detergent manufacturer and Walmart Supplier Growth Summit participant, Ultra Chem, who are the supplier of the ECONO brand bleach, dishwashing liquid, pine gel and other cleaning products which are available at all three Walmart stores.
Saving money and supporting communities go hand-in-hand. To celebrate the store opening and make an immediate impact, Walmart has also donated over 1.5 tonnes of non-perishable groceries to FoodForward SA to support food security efforts amongst families in the broader Ekurhuleni community within which the store is located. This initiative is consistent with similar efforts associated with the opening of Walmart’s Clearwater and Fourways stores.
Source : Walmart
Image : Walmart
Source: https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/walmart-opens-third-south-african-store/16174.htm
