JOHANNESBURG — Stellenbosch University has called on South African businesses to prioritize the hiring of local citizens over foreign nationals, addressing the ongoing debate over immigration and its role in national economic and social cohesion. Immigration policy is a multifaceted issue, intertwining border security, economic opportunity, Constitutional rights, and national cohesion. Former Public Protector and current Stellenbosch Centre for Social Justice member, Thuli Madonsela, emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
She advocated for businesses to engage with the President to manage transition effectively, focusing on lawful, human rights — centered practices imbued with Ubuntu principles. Madonsela also highlighted the resentment arising from the preference of businesses for foreign workers and suggested a pledge by companies to prioritize locals. This pledge would involve peer-policing among businesses to ensure compliance with the commitment not to prefer foreigners over locals.
The Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, has announced government efforts to strengthen labor market enforcement and labor migration reforms, prioritizing South African citizens for employment. This includes a comprehensive overhaul of labor market enforcement and migration policy, ensuring fair access to employment opportunities for citizens while maintaining a regulated system for foreign workers.
The World Bank has highlighted the need for a robust economic recovery shared across all sectors, suggesting policy actions in infrastructure services, private sector participation, and efficient public spending to create jobs. South African talent is increasingly sought after globally, which has added momentum to the government’s push for local hiring. Despite the commendable focus on improving labor market governance and protecting labor standards, some experts question the effectiveness of the new measures.
The Employment Services Amendment Bill, currently under consideration, aims to protect local job seekers while ensuring that foreign workers are not unfairly disadvantaged.
As South Africa endeavors to address its unemployment crisis, the emphasis on local hiring is a significant step forward.
However, the success of this approach will rely on collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Siya Tsewu
