INSPECTOR (X2 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to serve as an Inspector within the Gqeberha Labour Centre, forming part of the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services unit. The role is central to upholding South Africa’s labour legislative framework, ensuring that employers and workers alike adhere to the rights and obligations set out in key statutes. As one of two inspectors appointed, the successful candidate will operate with a significant degree of independence, carrying out both reactive and proactive compliance activities across the region. The work is varied and demanding, requiring a firm grasp of labour law, investigative technique, and stakeholder engagement.

Applicants must hold a three-year tertiary qualification in Labour Relations, BCom Law, or an LLB degree, and must have at least one year of functional experience in Inspection and Enforcement Services. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as the role involves travel to workplaces and sites. The position demands a thorough working knowledge of several pieces of legislation, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, COIDA, Unemployment Insurance Act, Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, and Employment Equity Act. In addition, candidates should bring a range of practical skills such as facilitation, planning and organising, computer literacy, interpersonal communication, conflict handling, negotiation, problem solving, interviewing, listening and observation, presentation, analytical thinking, and strong verbal and written communication. These competencies are necessary to manage inspections from start to finish and to engage effectively with both employers and employees.

The core duties involve planning and independently conducting inspections to verify compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. The inspector will also execute investigations into reported contraventions of labour legislation, taking enforcement action where necessary. Regular proactive “blitz” inspections must be planned and conducted to monitor ongoing compliance across various sectors. In addition, the role includes independently conducting advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of all labour legislation among workers and employers. Administrative responsibilities include drafting and maintaining inspection plans and reports, as well as analysing and compiling consolidated statistical reports on allocated cases. This combination of fieldwork, investigation, education, and reporting makes the position both challenging and rewarding for someone committed to labour rights and fair workplace practices.

The Department encourages applications from designated groups, specifically African Males, Coloured Males, Coloured Females, Indian Males, Indian Females, White Males, White Females, and persons with disabilities, in line with its employment equity commitments. This is a full-time government post based in Gqeberha, and interested candidates should note that the selection process will assess both technical knowledge and the practical skills required to perform inspections effectively. The role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to labour law enforcement and to make a tangible difference in the lives of workers and employers in the Eastern Cape.