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To: The President of the Republic of South Africa, the Minister of Employment and Labour, and the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour in Parliament.

Enact the "Right to Work" Act and End Systemic Unemployment in South Africa.

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We demand that the decision-makers immediately initiate the legislative process to:

​Draft and Enact a "Right to Work" Act:
 
1. This must mandate the state as the "employer of last resort," guaranteeing a job or training placement for every able-bodied citizen.
2. ​Restructure the 2026/27 National Budget: Redirect funds from failed theoretical training schemes toward direct, industry-led apprenticeships.
3. ​Establish a National Unemployment Compensation Fund: To provide a monthly income for those aged 18–59 who remain outside the labour market.  This should not take away from workers, but is a restructuring for national stability. The government injects a Seed Subsidy into the UIF specifically for first-time work seekers (graduates and school leavers).

Why is this important?

​South Africa is facing a national crisis with over 11 million people effectively excluded from the economy. The current system of "waiting for growth" has failed.
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This is important because:

  • ​Dignity: Unemployment is not just a lack of money; it is a loss of human dignity.
  • ​Stability: High youth unemployment (over 58%) is a threat to our national security and social cohesion.
  • ​Economic Justice: Our Constitution promises the right to choose a trade or occupation, but without a guaranteed "Right to Work," this is an empty promise for the poor.
  • We want to move away from a system where the government simply manages poverty, and toward a system where the government enables dignity through work, industry, and skill-building.


Updates

2026-04-10 10:02:20 +0200

10 SIGNATURES IN 60 MINUTES! ✍️🔥
​The people have spoken! In just one hour, 10 champions have stepped up to demand their Right to Work. This isn't just a list of names; it’s a list of people ready to restore dignity to our community.
​We are moving fast, but we aren't stopping here. Who is next? Sing here https://awethu.amandla.mobi/petitions/enact-the-right-to-work-act-ending-systemic-unemployment-in-south-africa
​#EmploymentFirst #RightToWork #MabopaneRising #EFCSO

2026-04-10 07:56:43 +0200

10 signatures reached