UASA Media Release: 12 May 2025
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Numerous economic and employment challenges persist in a year characterised by volatility and uncertainty in both global and local economies, accompanied by emerging technologies. However, along with these challenges, there are several opportunities to be taken advantage of.
While UASA proudly upholds its legacy of protecting the rights and livelihoods of workers in South Africa, it continues to address the significant economic challenges of the labour market. It explores solutions to enhance prospects and the relationship between innovation and employment. Through this exploration UASA is identifying the optimal way in which to serve its members during rapidly evolving economic and employment dynamics brought about by new technologies, (i.e. AI, IoT and machine learning).
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that by 2030, the fastest-growing jobs will be driven by advances in AI, robotics, and digital access. These technologies are set to transform global industries, but without proper policies and regulations, there is a risk that technological development will focus on replacing human work, which could increase inequality and unemployment.
As the South African labour market undergoes a fundamental transformation due to technological advancements, the 2025 UASA South African Employment Report (SAER) and the 3rd UASA/BMR Employment Index delve into the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), The Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning on the labour market of various sectors and industries. The report investigates the deep structural challenges facing the South African
labour market and examines the evolving relationship between new technologies and employment, while the UASA/BMR Employment Index continues to monitor critical trends to inform policy and workplace strategies.
Prof. Carel van Aardt (Chief Operating Officer – COO) and Ms Jacolize Meiring (Head of the Personal Finance Research Division) of the Bureau of Market Research (BMR) will unpack the labour market data and analysis contained in the report during a presentation on 16 May 2025. The results are crucial for shaping South Africa’s employment strategy for 2025 and beyond.
This vital engagement occurs as UASA prepares to host its 8th National Congress later this year, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to cultivating a future-ready workforce.
As South Africa is at a crossroads between technological transformation and economic recovery, UASA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advance labour interests and protect workers’ rights.
UASA believes that today’s challenges, such as automation, inequality, and job displacement, can only be effectively addressed through collaboration among trade unions, government, business, academia, and civil society. By investing in forward-looking research, such as the UASA SAER and the UASA/BMR Employment Index, we strive to guide our members and the country toward sustainable employment solutions and a fair economic future for all.
Kindly join us for the UASA SAER and 3rd UASA/BMR Employment Index.
Zoom registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dw33a3I_QyO4K7_GnoLTdg
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.