Employment Law

• In 2018, the Government launched the Youth Employment Service (“YES”) programme to assist with reducing youth unemployment rates in practical ways.
• The YES programme allows for unemployed youth to obtain up to 12 months work experience opportunities with companies registered with this programme.
• On 3 April 2023, President Ramaphosa praised the success of the YES programme that already placed more than 100 000 of the South African youth between the ages of 18 and 29 with companies.
• The YES programme also allows for youth to earn an income to help support their families with an estimated 61% of the placements coming from households who rely on social grants.
• For more information on the YES programme and how to either get involved or make use of the initiative, the following contact details can be used:
  • Website: www.yes4youth.co.za
  • Telephone: 087 330 0084
  • E-mail: youth@yes4youth.co.za or corporatesupport@yes4youth.co.za.

• No, the Code provides that it does not just apply to employers and employees.
• It can also apply to managers, supervisors, volunteers, job applicants, contractors, interns and so on. It can even sometimes reach as far to also apply to customers and clients.
• This means that if you are a job applicant and you feel that you have been bullied during an interview, you can lodge a complaint of harassment with the  employer.

In March 2022, the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (“Code”) came into effect.

• This Code forms part of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and deals specifically with what is considered to be harassment in the workplace and how to deal with it.
• The Code states that verbal bullying is a type of harassment that can be present in the workplace and it may include threats, shaming and insults, constant negative judgment and criticism, language that is racial, sexist or against the LGBTQ+ community.
• The Code also deals with other aspects of harassment, such as physical abuse, sexual harassment and racial harassment.
• If you feel that you are being bullied in the workplace, you must report it with your employer and they must take the necessary steps under the Code to address the complaint of harassment.
• If you are not satisfied with the internal procedures, a complaint can be lodged with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration  (“CCMA”).