Inspectors zoom in on local businesses

Following complaints of non-compliance with health and safety and Covid-19 regulations in the Southern Cape, labour inspectors descended on George, Mossel Bay and Knysna this week.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Employment and Labour, some businesses in Knysna got a reality check a few weeks ago when their operations were shut down due to non-compliance with the OHS Act and Covid-19 regulations. Six out of ten businesses in the Knysna CBD were served with prohibition notices.

Provincial chief inspector David Esau said this time around, an even larger contingency of inspectors will be visiting the area. The focus will be on responding to complaints at various workplaces and encouraging workers to come forward to report non-compliance.

"The department is working closely with all partners to ensure compliance and prevent the spread of the coronavirus at workplaces. Workers and partners alike need to take a stand and report employers who flout regulations," he said. "With the area fast becoming a hotspot, all role players need to play their part when it comes to slowing the spread of the disease."

Esau said the intention of the department is not to permanently close businesses, but to get businesses to adhere to the regulations.

Continuous inspections will be carried out by occupational health and safety inspectors throughout the province to ensure that minimum standards have been put in place for the safety of both employees and, in certain work environments, clients as well.

Esau appealed to the public to adhere to the lockdown regulations, and where possible to stay home. Contact Esau on

082 791 4485 for more information.