South Africa, Jan. 29 -- Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has signed a notice, published in the Government Gazette, setting out the department's intention to extend full labour protections to performers, who are currently classified as independent contractors. The notice was published on 23 January 2026.

If adopted, the proposal would see performers covered by key labour laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage Act (NMW) and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida), granting them the same rights and benefits as employees in other sectors.

The department said the move forms part of government's broader efforts to address persistent challenges in t...