By: Ginaba Lino
The Minister of Labour has announced that his ministry has established a specialized labour Court and that it awaits the Chief Justice’s appointment of labour judges next week, who will hear cases of unfair dismissal within 60 days.
Speaking during Labour Day, the Minister of Labour, Anthony Lino Makana, says the court will enforce the Labour Act on wages, hours, safety, and social security, adding that the labour court will protect women from workplace harassment and discrimination.
“Today, I am proud to announce that with your approval, Your Excellency the President, and after passage by Parliament last month, South Sudan now has a specialised labour court. This court will hear cases of unfair dismissal within 60 days. The court will enforce the Labour Act on wages, hours, safety, and social security. This labour court will protect women from workplace harassment and discrimination. It will provide legal aid to workers who cannot afford lawyers. The Chief Justice of the Republic of South Sudan will appoint for the first time labour judges next week, not any other time.”
Makana emphasized that workers are dismissed unfairly, Women are denied maternity leave, and employees injured at work have nowhere to run.
He urged employees to pay fair wages to the workers, respect contracts, and make the workplace safe. Adding that Safety first should be the motto in every organization because a motivated worker builds the organization’s profit.
“To workers, please be disciplined, be skilled, be united. The country needs your hands and your mind. To young graduates, do not despise small beginnings. A skilled plumber earns more than an idle bachelor’s degree holder.” The Minister of Labour stated.
According to the Minister, his ministry in the last 24 months has recruited 2,400 teachers, 1,100 health workers, and 800 agriculture extension officers in 2025, and Salaries are now paid on time for 10 consecutive months.
He highlighted Labour’s collaboration with UNDP, which has trained 12,000 youths in TVET, plumbing, solar installation, welding, ICT, nursing, and 68% are now employed or self-employed.
He adds that the Ministry is also working hard to make sure that every foreign technician given a work permit, the companies must train two South Sudanese, citing that the results have yielded the fruit of 4,200 young people who moved from being jobless to being skilled in one year.
“With the peace returning, 47 new factories and companies registered in 2025, creating 9,000 direct jobs in agriculture, construction, and services.” Says Makana.
The minister pledged that the Ministry of Labour will work day and night to deliver fair, safe, and inclusive work for all.