Call for Proposals: Labour Service Organisations Training Vulnerable Workers (South Africa)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The South African Department of Employment and Labour is inviting registered non-profit organisations (NPOs) and public benefit organisations (PBOs) with labour-related expertise to submit proposals under the Labour Service Organisations Programme. The programme supports training and workshops that improve vulnerable workers’ understanding of labour laws, including the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). What Is the Labour Service Organisations Programme? The Labour Service Organisations Programme supports civil society organisations that help workers understand and exercise their rights under South African labour legislation. The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking organisations capable of delivering labour-law training, workshops, awareness activities, and related support to vulnerable workers across South Africa. The programme focuses particularly on improving workers’ knowledge of workplace rights, occupational safety, compensation, and relevant labour protections. Why It Matters Many vulnerable workers face difficulties understanding labour legislation and accessing available workplace protections. The programme aims to strengthen workers’ ability to: Understand their labour rights. Recognise workplace health and safety obligations. Understand compensation provisions for occupational injuries and diseases. Improve awareness of occupational health and safety requirements.

Participate more effectively in workplace and labour processes

The initiative also strengthens the role of civil society organisations in labour-rights education and worker empowerment. Key Labour Laws Covered Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) provides a framework for compensation related to occupational injuries and diseases. Organisations applying for COIDA-related activities should demonstrate appropriate knowledge and capacity to educate workers about the legislation. Occupational Health and Safety Act The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) establishes requirements designed to protect people in workplaces from health and safety risks. Training activities can help vulnerable workers understand workplace hazards, safety responsibilities, reporting mechanisms, and applicable protections. Who Is Eligible? The call is intended for organisations that meet the programme’s registration, operational, financial, and technical requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Registered Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). Registered Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs). Organisations with demonstrated expertise in labour-related matters. Organisations capable of delivering labour-law training and workshops to vulnerable workers. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an established organisational structure and the capacity to manage and implement a one-year project. Organisational Requirements Applicants are expected to meet several requirements, including: Registration with the Department of Social Development under the NPO Act of 1997. An existing office. Appropriate office equipment and operational capacity. An active organisational bank account. An audited financial statement from a previous project. Demonstrated knowledge of labour matters and relevant legislation. A valid COIDA/OHSA letter of good standing for relevant proposals. The latest NPO compliance letter. Organisations should ensure that their registration and compliance documentation is current before submitting a proposal. What Activities Can Be Proposed? The programme supports activities focused on labour-law awareness and worker education.

Potential activities include:

Labour-law training sessions. Workshops for vulnerable workers. Awareness programmes on workplace rights. Training on COIDA. Training on OHSA. Educational sessions on occupational health and safety. Community-based labour-rights awareness. Information-sharing activities. Civil society capacity strengthening related to labour matters. The proposed activities should directly support the programme’s objective of improving vulnerable workers’ knowledge and understanding of labour legislation. Project Duration

The proposed project term is:

1 year Applicants should therefore develop a realistic annual implementation plan showing how activities will be delivered, monitored, and evaluated throughout the project period. What Should the Proposal Include? Applications should follow the prescribed proposal format and provide sufficient detail to demonstrate the organisation’s capacity and the project’s expected impact. Percentage of participants demonstrating improved knowledge.

Step 6: Prepare the Budget

The budget should correspond directly with the proposed activities. Applicants should provide clear justification for major expenditure items and ensure that costs are reasonable for the planned implementation period.

Step 7: Develop the Evaluation Plan

Explain how the organisation will determine whether the project improved workers’ understanding of labour legislation.

Possible indicators include:

Training attendance.

Participant feedback

Pre- and post-training knowledge assessments. Number of workers reached. Number of awareness activities completed. Evidence of improved knowledge of COIDA and OHSA. Civil Society Strengthening The programme also requires applicants to explain their civil society strengthening approach. This section should demonstrate how the project will strengthen the organisation’s ability to contribute to labour-rights awareness and worker empowerment.

Additional requirement: Valid COIDA/OHSA letter of good standing for relevant proposals

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Labour Service Organisations Programme? It is a Department of Employment and Labour initiative supporting eligible civil society organisations to provide labour-law training and workshops for vulnerable worke