The Minister Responsible for South Africa’s employment and labour department, Thulas Nxesi has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Public Sector Global Minister of the Week” from July 23rd to July 29th, 2023. Mr. Thulas Nxesi boasts an illustrious career both in academics and politics.
An alumnus of the University of Fort Hare, he holds a BA degree earned in 1983, complemented by a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of South Africa.
His academic prowess took root at Ikusasa Senior Secondary School, where he taught and headed the social sciences department from 1985 to 1990.
Stepping onto the political stage, Mr. Nxesi’s journey began earnestly in the throes of apartheid, with his dedication evident as he faced school expulsions for his involvement in political activities.
Serving the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union first as Assistant Secretary-General and then as Secretary-General, his roles spanned two terms from 1990 to 2010.
His leadership accolades include presidencies at Education International and the secretaryship of the National Education Union of South Africa.
In the realm of national governance, Mr. Nxesi held the Deputy Minister position of Rural Development and Land Reform, eventually ascending to the role of Minister of Public Works of the Republic of South Africa, serving notably from 24 October 2011 to 30 March 2017.
Currently, he spearheads the department as the Minister of Employment and Labour, in South Africa.
Through his persevering efforts to better the sector of employment, the Employment Equity Amendments were signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2023.
The objective of the amendments is: to reduce the regulatory burden for small employers; to empower the Minister to regulate the sector-specific numerical EE targets; to promulgate Section 53; and to strengthen compliance, including the issuing of EE compliance certificates.
The proposed amendments to the employment equity (EE) will provide a double-pronged flexibility in that they will allow employers to consult & self-regulate their equity targets, while also allowing employers to raise justifiable reasons for non-compliance with the law.
With a keen interest in employee safety, the Ministry led by Mr. Nxesi announced the close to finished finalizing of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect the vulnerable workers in the country.
This includes the changing of the tide against employers who have been ducking and diving to avoid penalties should they be found guilty of non-compliance.
According to the ministry, it is estimated that the annual direct and indirect costs resulting from occupational diseases and accidents are approximately 4 percent of the global gross domestic product.
As poor occupational health and safety practices affect the economy, they manage to ensure decent work principles, as prescribed by the department as well as befitting stakeholder bodies such as the International Labour Organization.
Among several initiatives of the Nxesi’s administration, the department through its Inspections and Enforcement Services (IES), recovered more than R84 Million through 152 159 inspections conducted in the last financial year.
This money was recovered as a result of noncompliance with the National Minimum Wage. Effectively; this money went to the pockets of underpaid workers, most of whom are vulnerable. This was announced during the Department’s Inspector General, Ms Aggy Moiloa’s, presentation on the annual analysis Report: Financial Year 2022/23 at the Department’s Executive Committee Meeting on August 14, 2023.
Mr. Nxesi’s commitment to public service has made him a well-respected and notable figure in South Africa’s political landscape.
Public Sector Global Magazine’s “Minister of the Week” title is a well-deserved accolade awarded to top-performing Ministers whose visionary policies and exemplary leadership have brought about transformative changes to society.
The recognition, which forms part of the “Ministers of Excellence” initiative, aims to highlight and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ministers from around the globe who are making a positive impact on their respective nations.
