In an ambitious effort to enhance workplace compliance and improve working conditions across South Africa, the Department of Employment and Labour has announced a plan to recruit 20,000 labour inspectors over the next two years. This large-scale recruitment drive, revealed by Minister Nomakhosazana Meth at the NEDLAC Annual Labour School, is set to roll out in phases. The first phase, taking place in 2025, will involve the hiring of 10,000 inspectors.
This initiative underscores the Department of Employment and Labour’s commitment to ensuring that workplaces across the nation comply with labour laws and that the rights of workers are upheld.
A Drive for Employment and Compliance
The recruitment campaign is a bold step by the Department of Employment and Labour to tackle high unemployment rates and enhance its enforcement capacity. By bringing on board 10,000 new inspectors in Phase 1, the department aims to strengthen its ability to monitor and enforce compliance with critical labour laws, such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act).
This program is not only a job creation initiative but also a move to safeguard employee rights and promote fair and safe working environments nationwide.
Who Should Apply?
The Department of Employment and Labour is inviting applications from unemployed South African graduates who are between the ages of 18 and 35. Successful applicants will have the chance to gain valuable work experience during a 24-month internship program. Here are the key details:
- Positions Available: 20 000 across various provinces (10,000 in Phase 1).
- Internship Duration: 24 months.
- Monthly Stipend: R7 450.62.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- A three-year tertiary qualification (National Diploma or Undergraduate Degree) in fields such as Law, Finance, Human Resources, or Engineering.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Applicants must not have participated in any similar internship program before.
Positions by Category and Province
The positions are distributed across four main categories, with availability in all provinces and the department’s head office:
1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) – 3,812 Posts
- Head Office (Pretoria): 17 Posts
- Eastern Cape (East London): 720 Posts
- Free State (Bloemfontein): 148 Posts
- Gauteng (Braamfontein): 438 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): 1,008 Posts
- Limpopo (Polokwane): 240 Posts
- Mpumalanga (Witbank): 300 Posts
- Northern Cape (Kimberly): 115 Posts
- North West (Mmabatho): 242 Posts
- Western Cape (Cape Town): 584 Posts
2. Basic Conditions of Employment (BCEA) – 3,727 Posts
- Eastern Cape (East London): 800 Posts
- Free State (Bloemfontein): 305 Posts
- Gauteng (Braamfontein): 647 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): 625 Posts
- Limpopo (Polokwane): 240 Posts
- Mpumalanga (Witbank): 260 Posts
- Northern Cape (Kimberly): 187 Posts
- North West (Mmabatho): 200 Posts
- Western Cape (Cape Town): 463 Posts
3. Employment Equity (EEA) – 3,513 Posts
- Head Office (Pretoria): 20 Posts
- Eastern Cape (East London): 60 Posts
- Free State (Bloemfontein): 253 Posts
- Gauteng (Braamfontein): 2,000 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): 218 Posts
- Limpopo (Polokwane): 150 Posts
- Mpumalanga (Witbank): 30 Posts
- Northern Cape (Kimberly): 127 Posts
- North West (Mmabatho): 91 Posts
- Western Cape (Cape Town): 120 Posts
4. Employer Audit Services (EAS) – 1,948 Posts
- Head Office (Pretoria): 9 Posts
- Eastern Cape (East London): 170 Posts
- Free State (Bloemfontein): 162 Posts
- Gauteng (Braamfontein): 437 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): 299 Posts
- Limpopo (Polokwane): 150 Posts
- Mpumalanga (Witbank): 60 Posts
- Northern Cape (Kimberly): 81 Posts
- North West (Mmabatho): 197 Posts
- Western Cape (Cape Town): 583 Posts
Summary of Total Positions by Province
- Eastern Cape: 1,580 Posts
- Free State: 868 Posts
- Gauteng: 3,522 Posts
- KwaZulu-Natal: 2,150 Posts
- Limpopo: 780 Posts
- Mpumalanga: 650 Posts
- Northern Cape: 510 Posts
- North West: 730 Posts
- Western Cape: 1,750 Posts
- Head Office (Pretoria): 46 Posts
Learn More: Department of Employment and Labour to Hire 20 000 Labour Inspectors
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Obtain the Z83 Application Form:
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Certified copies of your qualifications.
- A comprehensive CV.
- A certified copy of your ID.
- Reference number for the position you are applying for.
- Submit Your Application:
- Applications must be delivered to the relevant provincial office or emailed to the specific addresses provided by the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Application Deadline:
- All applications must be submitted by 21 February 2025. Walk-ins will be accepted until 16:00, while email submissions will close at midnight.
- Important Notes:
- Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.
- If you do not hear back from the Department of Employment and Labour within eight weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Why This Initiative Matters
This recruitment drive by the Department of Employment and Labour is more than just a job creation effort. It is an investment in South Africa’s future workforce and workplace environment. By hiring and training 20 000 young professionals, the department is ensuring that the country’s workplaces remain safe, equitable, and compliant with labour laws.
Moreover, the program provides invaluable experience to unemployed graduates, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to build sustainable careers in labour enforcement or related fields.
