The Department of Employment and Labour reported achieving 72% of its non-financial performance indicators for Q3, while critical programmes, particularly those aimed at youth employment and workplace inspections, continue to underperform. The ACDP reiterates its call for a more agile and accountable labour administration, especially in light of South Africa’s high unemployment rate of 33% and youth unemployment rate of 62%, for those aged between 15-24 years old. The Department has been criticised for its slow response to workplace safety violations, especially in the mining and agricultural sectors. On the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act, the ACDP reiterates its position, stating that transformation must be driven by merit, not political expediency. We assert that decent work is not a slogan, it is a constitutional imperative!