Introduction of social security for vulnerable workers to gather impetus: Department of Labour
The Department of Labour is to start an investigation into introducing a national retirement mechanism for the low income earners in South Africa, Compensation Fund Commissioner Shadrack Mkhonto told a departmental workshop in Irene, near Pretoria today.
Mkhonto told a departmental workshop that a discussion paper would be tabled soon at NEDLAC once approved by Cabinet.
The Department of Labour two-day Mid-Term Review workshop that ended today (16 January 2015) was held to evaluate the department's achievements against targets set. The Strategic Plan and the Annual Performance Plan in the financial year under review, and also craft a future strategic direction.
The workshop was attended by Labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant; Labour Deputy Minister Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa; department's Director-General Thobile Lamati; heads of branches and various public entities such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund; the Compensation Fund; Productivity SA; the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration, the Sheltered Employment Factories and the NEDLAC.
In the process of the investigation the Department of Labour will be securing the support of the International Labour Organisation to share its wisdom on the international best practices.
The initiative(s) is/are part of government's effort to reform the broader social security system in South Africa. Another process under consideration is the inclusion of government employees in the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) benefits.
The reform of social security policies are to be aligned with labour market initiatives.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Ministerial Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 808 2168
E-mail: Mokgadi.Pela@labour.gov.za
