Minister of Employment and Labor Nomakhosazana Meta reported that the department is still seeking funding from the National Treasury before it can begin recruiting and selecting the 10,000 additional labor inspectors promised by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
As of August 2026, the government's plan to bring in 10,000 new inspectors has not started, and no new staff have been appointed. Nomakhosazana Meta confirmed this in a written response to Parliament, clarifying that the department is working to secure funds from the National Treasury before commencing the selection and hiring processes.
Announcement of the Plan
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this program during his State Address in February 2026. These additional inspectors are intended to strengthen the state's capacity to ensure compliance with labor legislation, including measures against employers who hire foreigners without the required documentation.
According to Kosatu, this plan will significantly increase the country's labor inspection staff, which currently numbers 2,392 inspectors. In her speech at the Budget Vote in May 2026, Meta mentioned that 5 billion Rands had been allocated for permanent inspectors under the Medium-Term Budgetary Framework Programme period. She also stated that the department would liaise with the National Treasury regarding the funding for these appointments.
Kosatu party coordinator Matthew Parks expressed concern over the delays in implementing this commitment, noting that six months into the financial year, no additional funding had been provided to the department. Parks stated that no announcements had been made, interviews conducted, or people appointed.
Kosatu called on the department and the National Treasury to urgently secure the necessary funding and recruitment process. He emphasized that the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), which is due to be presented to Parliament at the end of October, must provide for the required funding, including reallocation of funds for the current fiscal year and within the Medium-Term Budgetary Framework Programme, to realize this progressive administration commitment led by the African National Congress.
Parks added that workers should not have to tolerate exploitative and harsh working conditions, including instances where employers fail to comply with minimum wage requirements, overtime and leave requirements, occupational health standards, and collective bargaining rights. Kosatu stated that he would push for urgent meetings with the Department and the Treasury to ensure the allocation of necessary funds and the development of a recruitment roadmap within the MTBPS to be presented to Parliament in October.