The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, together with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, will on Friday, 20 February 2026, preside over a landmark ceremony to formally activate over R1.5 billion Investment in Labour Activation Programme (LAP) contracts awarded to companies across Gauteng Province.
The activation ceremony will take place at the Saulsville Sports Arena in Atteridgeville, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, under the theme:
“The Year of Putting Young South Africans to Work, in Honour of the 1976 Youth and Commemoration of the Youth Uprising Jubilee.”
This milestone initiative forms part of government’s intensified response to the unemployment crisis in Gauteng, where the official unemployment rate currently stands at 33%.
A Bold Step to Tackle Youth Unemployment
Through strategic partnerships with key implementing entities in Gauteng, the Department of Employment and Labour will unlock 30 876 high-impact training and work opportunities for unemployed work-seekers.
The R1.5 billion investment is aimed at:
- Providing structured workplace-based training
- Creating pathways into sustainable employment
- Bridging the gap between raw talent and industry demand
- Supporting companies to absorb and train unemployed youth
- Strengthening economic participation in high-demand sectors
The Labour Activation Programme (LAP) is designed to directly confront structural unemployment by equipping young South Africans with market-relevant skills while enabling employers to access subsidised labour and training support.
Honouring the Legacy of 1976 Through Economic Inclusion
This activation takes place during a historic year of remembrance, marking the Youth Uprising Jubilee. Government is aligning economic transformation efforts with the spirit of 1976 — ensuring that today’s youth are empowered not only politically, but economically.
Minister Meth is expected to reaffirm government’s commitment to:
- Expanding labour market access
- Strengthening public-private partnerships
- Accelerating youth employment interventions
- Building a capable and skilled workforce
Premier Lesufi will outline Gauteng’s broader provincial strategy to drive inclusive growth and reduce unemployment, particularly among young people.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 20 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 13:00
Venue: Saulsville Sports Arena, Atteridgeville, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng
About the Labour Activation Programme (LAP)
The Labour Activation Programme is a strategic intervention of the Department of Employment and Labour aimed at stimulating job creation, enhancing employability, and supporting inclusive economic growth. Through partnerships with implementing entities and employers, the programme funds training, placement, and work-based opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
Issued by:
Department of Employment and Labour
Republic of South Africa
