The Department of Employment and Labour has proposed amendments to key labour laws aimed at improving job security, fairness, and protections for vulnerable workers across South Africa.
Labour expert Douglas Nelson explained the practical impact of the changes for employees and employers alike in an interview with VOC News.
“These amendments address longstanding issues, such as contract and gig workers being exploited through irregular hours and unpaid shifts,” Nelson said.
“They ensure employers pay workers for the hours they are required to be at work, while also giving employers the tools to manage probation fairly. It’s about balancing fairness for everyone,” he added.
The proposed Labour Relations Amendment Bill and Labour Laws Amendment Bill, 2025, include provisions for shared parental leave, protections for on-call or zero-hours workers, and clearer mechanisms for severance pay. Schedule 11 creates a presumption of employment for certain independent contractors, giving gig workers access to collective bargaining and protection against unfair dismissal.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the reforms are designed to modernise labour laws and extend protections to previously excluded workers.
“These changes will strengthen rights, reduce exploitation, and make it easier for workers to enforce their claims,” Meth said.
“At the same time, they support businesses in operating fairly and sustainably,” she added.
The department also aims to improve compliance with benefit fund contributions and clarify employment status in sectors such as film and television, protecting workers across all industries.
Photo: Pexels
