Build One South Africa (BOSA), the political party led by former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane, has officially tabled its first piece of legislation – the Fair Pay Bill – at the National Assembly. The bill is aimed at ending what the party calls “unfair and discriminatory wage practices” targeting young workers in South Africa’s job market.
At a media briefing held on Thursday, BOSA’s leadership, including Maimane, Deputy Leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, and Gauteng legislator Ayanda Allie, announced that the bill had been submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Thoko Didiza. This marked a historic moment for the young party, which gained three seats in the 2024 general elections – two in Parliament and one in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The party said it was taking a firm stand on behalf of South African youths, who it believes are being shortchanged at the workplace despite doing the same work as older and more experienced colleagues.
According to Maimane, the Fair Pay Bill is about fairness and dignity. “Young people are working hard. They are qualified. But they are paid less simply because of their age or lack of experience. That must stop. Equal pay for equal work is not just a slogan – it should be the law,” he said.
What the Fair Pay Bill Proposes
The Fair Pay Bill has four main goals. First, it seeks to prohibit employers from paying younger workers less than older colleagues doing the same job with the same responsibilities. Second, it requires salary transparency, meaning companies must publicly state the salary range for every advertised job. This, BOSA argues, will help close the wage gap and hold employers accountable.
Third, the bill aims to establish minimum employment standards for internships, apprenticeships, and other entry-level jobs. Many young people are reportedly exploited in these roles, with little pay and no real prospect of permanent employment. The proposed law will enforce stricter oversight and ensure these roles lead to real career development.
Finally, the bill proposes a protected reporting channel for workers who want to report unfair pay practices without fear of victimisation or dismissal.
Championing Youth Empowerment
Deputy Leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said the bill is a direct response to the rising unemployment and underemployment crisis among young South Africans. “Our youth are not lazy. They are educated, skilled, and ambitious. But the system keeps them at the bottom with low wages and no growth. This bill is about restoring hope and fairness,” she said.
BOSA’s Gauteng Legislature member Ayanda Allie, formerly a spokesperson for Minister Fikile Mbalula, now leads the party’s communications arm. She said that the bill also sends a strong message about BOSA’s intention to build a just and equitable South Africa. “This is more than policy. This is about principle,” she noted.
From Activism to Legislation
BOSA’s bold move to introduce a bill so early in its legislative journey signals its intent to move beyond protest politics and into policy-making. Since its founding, the party has positioned itself as an alternative voice for young people, workers, and the marginalised.
With youth unemployment officially over 45%, and many young professionals earning well below their older colleagues for the same roles, wage discrimination remains a hot-button issue in South Africa. The Fair Pay Bill has the potential to change that narrative, say supporters.
However, it will not be without opposition. Some business lobby groups have previously warned that strict wage laws could make employers hesitant to hire young workers at all. But BOSA insists that fair wages are not a luxury – they are a necessity for building a productive and equitable workforce.
Looking Ahead
Now that the bill has been submitted to Speaker Thoko Didiza, it will go through various stages of debate and committee scrutiny in Parliament. If passed, the Fair Pay Bill would be one of the most significant youth-focused employment reforms in recent years.
Maimane concluded the briefing with a rallying call: “This bill is for every young South African who’s ever felt undervalued. We are fighting for your future, and we won’t stop until fair pay is the law of the land.”
