Parliament, Saturday, 18 October 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour is prepared to issue high-level recommendations, which will be binding on relevant departments, following its successful four-day oversight visit to the Free State.
The oversight focused on staffing levels and service delivery challenges at the Bethlehem and Qwaqwa Labour Centres, as well as workplace inspections in the hospitality and agricultural sectors in Clarens and Ficksburg, respectively.
The visit proved highly effective, with contravention notices issued on the spot by inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour, alongside immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs.
The committee appreciated the opportunity to observe first-hand, the conditions under which workplace inspectors operate, including their tools of trade. The visit also allowed for high-level interventions regarding recruitment processes, especially where potential impasses with organized labour may arise.
While fully recognizing the importance of adherence to national recruitment policies, the committee emphasized the need to prioritize local residents for entry-level positions, strictly within the framework of merit-based selection. The committee made this intervention after the matter was raised sharply by the organised labour, which accused the department of overlooking locals on entry-level post.
The committee will compile an oversight report, which will highlight key observations and recommendations. Once adopted by the National Assembly, the report’s recommendations will be binding on the relevant departments.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR, MR. BOYCE MANELI.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mr. Justice Molafo
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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