This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.
The Citizen reports that while thousands of unemployed graduates struggle to enter the public service, parliament has warned that systemic corruption is enabling ghost workers to drain public funds, taking away jobs and resources meant for real people.
This was indicated by the chairperson of the portfolio committee on public service and administration, Jan de Villiers, at a briefing on Monday following a committee meeting on 28 May to address payroll fraud and youth employment in government. “Every ghost worker represents a post that could have been filled by a qualified graduate, a dedicated nurse, a teacher in a rural school, or a social worker supporting the vulnerable,” De Villiers pointed out. He added: “Real people are drawing fraudulent salaries, and real taxpayer money is being siphoned into private pockets under the guise of legitimate employment.” The committee also flagged serious concerns about youth employment in the public service. According to the Department of Public Service and Administration, youth aged 31 to 35 make up 27% of the workforce, comprising more than 347,000 individuals, with most in finance, admin and technical roles. Yet many face poor mentorship, lack of formal skills recognition, and limited opportunities for absorption into permanent posts. “Placements without professional development or recognition are insufficient. We must build a future-ready public service,” said De Villiers. The committee is pushing for early retirement schemes to create space for young professionals, but insists that only transparent, merit-based recruitment will restore trust.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Oratile Mashilo at The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page