Meta Description:
Explore Circular 35 of 2025 from the Department of Employment and Labour. Learn how it creates job opportunities, supports training, and simplifies compliance for South African job seekers and employers.
Introduction: A Turning Point for South Africa’s Job Market
South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers around 32%, one of the highest in the world. For millions of job seekers, especially young people, the struggle to find stable work remains an uphill battle. Employers, meanwhile, face a different challenge: finding skilled workers who can thrive in a changing economy.
In response, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) introduced Circular 35 of 2025. This circular represents more than a policy update—it is a strategic plan to boost employment, expand training opportunities, and help businesses grow while staying compliant with labour laws.
Released at a crucial time in South Africa’s economic recovery, Circular 35 of 2025 opens the door for job seekers to gain practical skills and for employers to benefit from incentives that encourage fair hiring and retention.
This article takes a deep dive into what the circular entails, its impact, and how both workers and businesses can take advantage of it.
Overview of Circular 35: What It Entails
Background and Issuance
The Department of Employment and Labour issued Circular 35 in early 2025. It builds on the country’s existing labour laws—such as the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act—but with fresh updates that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Circular 35 was shaped by consultations with unions, business associations, and government leaders. These discussions highlighted the need to reduce youth unemployment, strengthen worker protections, and modernize labour practices to include new types of jobs such as remote work and digital employment.
Core Objectives
The main goals of Circular 35 are to:
- Promote fair and inclusive hiring across industries.
- Expand training and apprenticeship programs that lead to sustainable employment.
- Update compliance requirements for emerging forms of work, including gig economy roles and green jobs.
- Simplify reporting processes for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Key Differences from Previous Circulars
Earlier labour circulars focused narrowly on short-term contracts or temporary placements. Circular 35 marks a shift toward long-term growth and sustainability.
Useful Links:
- Youth Opportunities
- Online courses
- Learnerships Programme
- Skills Training Programme
- Funding Bursaries
Notable differences include:
- Support for remote work arrangements.
- Incentives for green jobs, such as solar installation and renewable energy roles.
- Grants for training, making it easier for employers to upskill staff.
- Reduced paperwork for SMEs, allowing them to focus on growth.
Opportunities for Job Seekers
South Africa’s job market is competitive, but Circular 35 makes it easier for individuals to access training, placements, and targeted support.
1. Subsidized Training and Apprenticeships
Through funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), job seekers can apply for skills programs and apprenticeships. These cover in-demand fields such as:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Electrical work and plumbing
- Welding and manufacturing trades
- Renewable energy installations
Most apprenticeships run for 6 to 12 months and often lead directly to full-time jobs. Applicants must be registered as unemployed and over 18.
Tip: Register on the DEL portal early, as spots fill quickly.
2. Enhanced Job Placement and Internship Programs
The Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) platform expands under Circular 35. Job seekers can create free profiles, upload CVs, and get matched with available opportunities.
- Internships are more accessible, with stipends provided in key sectors such as healthcare, finance, and technology.
- Job fairs organized by DEL connect applicants directly with recruiters.
- Career counseling services are available online and in community centers.
This approach helps bridge the gap between education and employment.
3. Support for Vulnerable Groups
Circular 35 emphasizes inclusion by creating targeted opportunities for groups that often face barriers to employment:
- Youth under 35: Wage subsidies for employers who hire young people.
- Women in rural areas: Priority access to healthcare, teaching, and social work roles.
- Persons with disabilities: Funding for workplace adjustments and special placements.
By focusing on fairness, the circular ensures that marginalized groups gain access to sustainable work opportunities.
Benefits for Employers
Employers play a critical role in implementing Circular 35—and in return, they gain access to incentives, simplified processes, and sector-specific growth opportunities.
1. Hiring and Retention Incentives
Employers who comply with the circular can access:
- Tax breaks for hiring from targeted groups (youth, women, and disabled workers).
- Training grants covering up to 50% of staff training costs.
- Retention bonuses, tied to keeping employees for a minimum period.
These measures reduce turnover, cut recruitment costs, and help businesses build stronger teams.
2. Compliance Made Simple
To encourage participation, DEL simplified compliance:
- Online reporting forms replace time-consuming paperwork.
- Mediation services help resolve workplace disputes quickly.
- Free compliance toolkits guide businesses step-by-step.
For SMEs, these changes mean less administrative burden and more focus on business growth.
3. Sector-Specific Opportunities
Circular 35 opens tailored opportunities across industries:
- Green Economy: Training support for solar energy, recycling, and eco-friendly construction.
- Agriculture: Seasonal worker upskilling and rural job creation programs.
- Digital and Remote Work: New guidelines ensure safe, fair contracts for freelancers and online workers.
- Services Sector: Incentives for hybrid hiring models to expand market reach.
By adapting to sector needs, the circular helps employers future-proof their operations.
Implementation and Best Practices
Step-by-Step Compliance Guide
Employers can follow these steps to align with Circular 35:
- Review workforce composition against circular requirements.
- APPLICATION PROCESS
- Register changes through the DEL online system.
- Train HR teams using free DEL webinars.
- Conduct quarterly audits to stay compliant.
- Report annually to unlock incentives.
Overcoming Common Challenges
- Administrative overload: Use DEL’s online portal or partner with labour consultants.
- Resource limitations: Apply for grants before launching new training programs.
- Resistance to change: Engage staff through workshops and transparent communication.
Measuring ROI
Employers can track success by monitoring:
- Number of new hires from priority groups.
- Staff retention rates.
- Cost savings from grants and tax breaks.
- Overall productivity improvements.
Case Studies: Circular 35 in Action
Manufacturing Success Story
A Gauteng automotive plant used Circular 35 to recruit 50 apprentices in welding and assembly. Within six months, output increased by 15%, and skills gaps were significantly reduced.
SME Growth in Services
A Cape Town cleaning company trained 20 women for leadership roles using DEL grants. Staff retention improved, turnover dropped, and the business expanded its client base.
Public Sector Application
Municipal offices in KwaZulu-Natal applied Circular 35 to hire local youth for administrative roles. Within one year, over 100 employees completed accredited training, strengthening community trust in local government services.
Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunities
Circular 35 of 2025 from the Department of Employment and Labour is more than policy—it’s a blueprint for growth. It empowers job seekers with training, placements, and targeted support, while rewarding employers with incentives, compliance tools, and sector-specific opportunities.
Key takeaways include:
- Job seekers can access subsidized apprenticeships, internships, and support programs.
- Employers benefit from tax breaks, training grants, and simpler compliance.
- Vulnerable groups, including youth and women, gain fair access to the job market.
Now is the time to act. Job seekers should register on ESSA and explore apprenticeship programs. Employers should align with the circular to unlock funding and incentives.
With Circular 35 of 2025, South Africa takes a step toward reducing unemployment and building an inclusive economy where both businesses and workers thrive.
