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Labour minister urges employers to let staff vote

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth asked employers to release workers so they can vote in the local government elections on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that day a public holiday for voting.

Meth stressed that voting is a right in the Constitution. She said employers must not threaten workers, punish them or block them from using that right.

She also asked employers and employees to plan their voting arrangements in advance. Special votes were cast on Monday and Tuesday.

Key facts

Who
Nomakhosazana Meth (Minister of Employment and Labour); Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa)
What
Meth called on employers to let workers go and vote in the local government elections, stressing the constitutional right to vote and asking employers and employees to plan voting arrangements in advance. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Wednesday a public holiday for voting.
When
3 November 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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