Mashatile calls for unity at Annual Labour School
South Africa's public employment initiatives need to focus on equipping participants with genuine skills and meaningful work experience rather than creating a cycle of reliance on state support. Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered this stark message while addressing delegates at the 2026 Annual Labour School, held at Kevits Kroon in Pretoria on Sunday.
Mashatile told attendees that the country finds itself at a "decisive moment" in its democratic trajectory, where the policy decisions made now and the willingness to act collectively will determine the nation's economic and social direction for years to come. He urged organised labour and the broader public to reconnect with the foundational values of the liberation movement, built upon three enduring pillars: mobilisation, education, and unity.
"These pillars must guide us as we confront the defining challenges of our time [including] global economic instability, widening inequality, and the disruptive impact of technological change."
The Deputy President reflected on the historical roots of the country's labour movement, citing landmark events such as the 1973 Durban strikes that reignited Black trade unionism, the recognition of Black unions in 1979, and the establishment of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985 — a formation instrumental in dismantling apartheid. He also recognised the contributions of other labour bodies, including the National Council of Trade Unions, the Federation of Unions of South Africa, and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), which emerged to continue confronting unemployment, inequality, and poverty.
Mashatile cautioned that joblessness — especially among the youth — together with widening inequality and entrenched poverty, remain deep wounds in South African society. He insisted these realities must never become accepted as normal, calling instead for a coordinated response uniting workers, unions, communities, government, and civil society.
Growth must translate into real jobs
Outlining the priorities of the 7th Administration, the Deputy President pointed to inclusive economic growth and employment creation, poverty reduction and lowering the cost of living, and the construction of a capable, ethical, and developmental state. He noted that the 2026/27 Budget maintains its commitment to social protection, with the social wage comprising more than 60% of non-interest expenditure. Government is simultaneously expanding job opportunities through infrastructure spending and the Presidential Employment Stimulus, with particular emphasis on young people and women. Structural reforms being driven through Operation Vulindlela are also tackling bottlenecks in energy and logistics to lay the groundwork for sustained and inclusive expansion.
While acknowledging that the economy expanded by 1.1% in 2025 and that inflation had moderated to 3.0% by February 2026, Mashatile stressed that economic growth alone is insufficient without tangible employment gains.
"Growth without jobs is not enough. True progress is measured not in statistics, but in lives uplifted, dignity restored and hope renewed."
He emphasised that public works programmes must be structured to develop capabilities and open doors to sustainable livelihoods rather than fostering dependence, describing this as the hallmark of a capable state that shields the vulnerable while cultivating productive capacity for the future. The Deputy President also drew attention to the decline of formal employment and the rise of precarious work, leaving countless workers in a state of perpetual uncertainty. He demanded stronger safeguards against exploitation, broader access to secure employment, and uncompromising enforcement of health and safety regulations, declaring that no worker should forfeit their life or livelihood because of non-compliance.
Mashatile further challenged trade unions to evolve beyond conventional wage bargaining, urging them to play a more active role in shaping macroeconomic policy, championing labour-intensive investment, and advancing skills development. In his capacity as Chair of the Human Resource Development Council, he reaffirmed government's dedication to aligning education and training with the demands of the labour market. Turning to the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence across sectors such as freight logistics at Transnet and energy, he warned that technological advancement must not erode workers' dignity. He called on labour federations to consider developing a Digital Workers' Charter anchored in the right to retraining, data sovereignty, digital dignity, and human oversight in all automated systems.
"While these innovations improve efficiency, they also reshape jobs and demand new skills. Our responsibility is clear, no worker must be managed or dismissed by an algorithm alone; workers must share in productivity gains; displaced workers must be retrained and supported."
On broader social matters, Mashatile acknowledged the housing challenges confronting many public servants who earn too much to qualify for subsidised housing yet cannot secure mortgage finance, noting that government is pursuing innovative solutions to ensure access to affordable, quality accommodation.
South Africa's persistent unemployment crisis, particularly among youth, makes the shift from dependency-creating programmes to skills-based employment initiatives a critical economic concern for millions of households and businesses seeking a capable workforce. If public works programmes successfully transition participants into sustainable livelihoods, this could ease pressure on social grants while boosting productivity and consumer spending. The effectiveness of structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela and proposed digital worker protections will likely shape labour market outcomes in the years ahead.
