The Department of Employment and Labour has opened a 2026/2027 Call for Proposals aimed at labour service organisations that can provide training and workshop sessions on important labour legislation to vulnerable workers.
The opportunity is specifically directed at Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) with experience and knowledge in labour-related matters. Organisations from across South Africa are invited to submit proposals for the financial year 2026/2027.
According to the published notice, the proposed training should focus on the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
The closing date is 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
This is important to note: the announcement is not a job, learnership, internship or bursary opportunity for individual applicants. It is a proposal opportunity for qualifying organisations that meet the stated requirements.
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- Funding Bursaries
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What Is the 2026/2027 Call for Proposals About?
The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking proposals from labour service organisations that specialise in labour matters and are able to provide educational training and workshop sessions.
The objective is to support vulnerable workers through practical information and training relating to workplace rights, occupational injuries, occupational diseases, health and safety and relevant labour legislation.
The training covered by the call should focus on two major areas:
- Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
These areas are important in South Africa’s labour environment because employees and employers need to understand workplace safety, occupational risks, reporting responsibilities and the legal framework governing occupational injuries and diseases.
The Department of Employment and Labour is the national government department responsible for a wide range of labour-market functions. Its official website also publishes employment, procurement and other departmental opportunities and information. (Department of Labour)
Who Can Submit a Proposal?
The opportunity is aimed at labour service organisations, particularly organisations operating as NPOs or PBOs and specialising in labour-related matters.
However, meeting the general description of an organisation is not enough. The notice sets out specific requirements that applicants must satisfy.
Organisations should carefully check every requirement before preparing and submitting a proposal.
The notice states that organisations must meet the following requirements.
1. Registration With the Department of Social Development
The organisation must be registered with the Department of Social Development in terms of the Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997.
Applicants are required to attach their NPO certificate as supporting documentation.
This requirement means organisations should ensure that their registration information is valid and that the supporting certificate is available before submitting the proposal.
2. An Existing Office and Office Equipment
Applicants must have an existing office with the necessary office equipment.
This requirement indicates that the Department expects participating organisations to have an operational structure rather than being newly established entities without an established working environment.
Organisations should therefore ensure that they can demonstrate their operational capacity where required.
3. A Bank Account
Applicants must have an active bank account and are required to attach a confirmation letter as part of the supporting documentation.
Before submitting the proposal, organisations should check that the banking information is accurate and corresponds with the organisation applying.
4. Audited Financial Statements
Applicants must provide an audited financial statement relating to a previous project from a donor.
This requirement is significant because it provides evidence of previous financial accountability and experience in handling project-related resources.
Organisations should make sure that the required financial documentation is available and properly prepared.
5. Knowledge of Labour Matters and Labour Laws
The organisation must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of labour-related matters and labour laws.
This is particularly relevant because the proposed training involves educating vulnerable workers about workplace-related legislation.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposal clearly explains their relevant experience, expertise and ability to deliver meaningful training.
6. Knowledge of COIDA and OHSA
Applicants must have knowledge and understanding of both COIDA and OHSA.
The proposal should therefore demonstrate that the organisation understands the subject matter it intends to teach.
A strong proposal should not simply mention the names of the laws. It should explain how the organisation’s experience and expertise will contribute to practical training for workers.
7. Latest NPO Compliance Letter
Applicants must attach the latest NPO compliance letter issued by the Department of Social Development.
Organisations should check their records before submission to ensure that the correct and most recent documentation is included.
8. Valid Letter of Good Standing
A valid letter of good standing is required for COIDA/OHSA proposals, according to the notice.
Applicants should make sure that the document is valid at the time of submission and relevant to the proposal being submitted.
Important: Deregistered Organisations Will Not Be Considered
The notice contains an important warning for organisations considering this opportunity.
Deregistered organisations will not be considered.
This means organisations should verify their registration and compliance status before submitting a proposal.
Submitting incomplete, outdated or incorrect documentation could affect an organisation’s ability to be considered.
Closing Date for the 2026/2027 Proposal
The closing date is:
18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their submissions.
Preparing a proposal can require gathering several supporting documents, including registration documentation, financial statements, banking confirmation, compliance documentation and a letter of good standing.
Starting early gives organisations time to identify missing documents and correct errors before the deadline.
The notice also states that if there is no response within three months of submission, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
How to Apply
According to the notice, applications can be submitted by email.
Application Email
civilservice.compensationfund@labour.gov.za
Applicants should carefully prepare their proposal and supporting documentation before sending the submission.
The application should clearly identify the organisation and the purpose of the proposal. Supporting documents should be attached in an organised manner so that the submission can be assessed efficiently.
The Department’s official website should also be used as an additional verification point for departmental information and related announcements. (Department of Labour)
Official Department website: Department of Employment and Labour
Application Tips for Organisations
A proposal should do more than simply state that an organisation is interested.
Applicants should use the proposal to demonstrate why their organisation is capable of delivering the required training.
Explain Your Experience
Clearly describe previous experience in labour-related training, worker education, occupational health and safety or related areas.
If the organisation has previously conducted workshops for workers, explain what was delivered and who benefited.
Demonstrate Subject Knowledge
The call specifically identifies COIDA and OHSA.
A strong proposal should therefore demonstrate practical knowledge of these areas and explain how the proposed training will help vulnerable workers understand their rights and responsibilities.
Keep Supporting Documents Organised
Before submitting, create a document checklist and verify that all required attachments are included.
Important documents mentioned in the notice include:
- NPO registration certificate
- Bank account confirmation letter
- Audited financial statement for a previous donor-funded project
- Latest NPO compliance letter from the Department of Social Development
- Valid letter of good standing for COIDA/OHSA proposals
- Proposal documentation
Avoid Last-Minute Submission
Technical problems, missing documents or incorrect attachments can create unnecessary difficulties.
Submitting well before 18 September 2026 at 16:00 gives an organisation an opportunity to review its application before the deadline.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Workplace health and safety and compensation for occupational injuries and diseases remain important areas of labour administration.
Training can help workers better understand workplace risks, occupational injuries, occupational diseases and the processes that apply when workplace incidents occur.
The opportunity may also be valuable for organisations that already operate in labour education, occupational health and safety or worker-support programmes.
From a professional perspective, organisations working in these areas can use proposal opportunities to demonstrate their expertise and expand their contribution to worker education.
The Department’s current information also shows continued attention to employment equity, workplace regulation and labour-related issues across South Africa. (Department of Labour)
Is This a Job Opportunity?
No.
The 2026/2027 Call for Proposals is intended for qualifying labour service organisations, NPOs and PBOs, rather than individuals looking for employment.
Individuals should not send personal CVs or job applications to the proposal email unless the Department separately advertises a position requiring such an application.
This distinction is important because proposal calls and employment vacancies are different types of opportunities.
The Department maintains separate information for employment opportunities and vacancies on its official website. (Department of Labour)
Career and Sector Insight
Although this announcement is not a direct employment opportunity, it highlights several areas that can be valuable for people developing careers in the labour and workplace-compliance environment.
Skills and experience in areas such as:
- Occupational health and safety
- Labour relations
- Worker education
- Human resources
- Labour law
- Workplace compliance
- Occupational injury administration
- Training and development
- Non-profit programme management
can be relevant to organisations delivering labour-related services.
People interested in this sector can therefore view the announcement as an indication of the type of expertise organisations may need when providing worker-focused training.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the closing date?
The closing date is 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Who can apply?
The call is aimed at qualifying labour service organisations, including NPOs/PBOs that meet the requirements stated in the notice.
Can an individual apply?
No. This is a proposal opportunity for organisations, not an individual job, learnership, internship or bursary.
What training should the proposal focus on?
The notice identifies the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Do organisations need NPO registration?
Yes. The notice states that the organisation must be registered with the Department of Social Development in terms of the Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997 and must attach its NPO certificate.
Is a bank account required?
Yes. Applicants must have a bank account and attach a confirmation letter.
Are audited financial statements required?
Yes. The notice requires an audited financial statement for a previous project from a donor.
What happens if an organisation is deregistered?
The notice states that deregistered organisations will not be considered.
Where should applications be sent?
The notice provides civilservice.compensationfund@labour.gov.za as the email address for applications.
What if there is no response?
The notice states that if there is no response within three months of submission, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
Final Takeaway
The Department of Employment and Labour 2026/2027 Call for Proposals provides an opportunity for qualifying labour service organisations to submit proposals for training and workshop sessions aimed at vulnerable workers.
The strongest applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, demonstrate relevant labour expertise and ensure that all required supporting documents are included.
Most importantly, organisations should remember the deadline: 18 September 2026 at 16:00.
Applicants should verify their documentation carefully and use the application details provided in the official notice before submitting.
For the latest departmental announcements, employment information and other official opportunities, readers should verify information through the Department of Employment and Labour’s official website.
