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 ($640 000), bringing it to R3.8 billion ($210 million).

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

Meth 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 Meth, 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 SA 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.

Meth also revealed that about R200 million ($11 million) worth of penalties imposed against companies that are flouting labour laws has been recovered.

--SABC--