41 Limpopo farm workers dismissed
DOZENS of Limpopo farm workers face a bleak future after their employer dismissed them for allegedly complaining about unfair business practice.
More than 40 employees at African Yellow Products, a farm situated between Vivo and Alldays outside Polokwane, were served with letters of dismissal yesterday for allegedly challenging management’s decision to hike their rent.
All employees were accommodated on the farm and farm owner Piet Viljoen allegedly increased the rent without consultation.
The farm, which produces aloe products, employs 52 people, most of whom come from neighbouring villages such as Marobyane and Kromhoek GaMakgatho.
Yesterday, 41 of the employees were fired. The workers claimed the decision was imposed on them and they were not allowed to give input.
“The employer has been dictating terms to us for a very long time and we feel we’ve had enough of the exploitation,” said Jacob Mokoena, a foreman who has worked for the company for eight years.
He said Viljoen gave them dismissal letters after they raised their objections to a rent hike.
Viljoen allegedly hiked the rent from R400 to R800 per room.
Each room was used by two employees, and the employer would deduct R400 from each as accommodation fee, according to the workers.
Mokoena said the increase in fees would make it difficult for him to survive on his R2 500 salary.
Mokgadi Stuurman, who has worked for the company for five years, said she would struggle to raise her nine-year-old son while also supporting her elderly mother.
“As employees we felt the best way would be [for Viljoen] to give us the money in order for us to use for travelling on a daily basis. But the employer forces us to stay in his compound,” she said.
Viljoen confirmed 41 employees had been dismissed, but refused to give details. “You can talk to the Department of Labour to get further details about the matter because I’m not at liberty to do so,” Viljoen said.
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration commissioner in Polokwane, Grace Tjale, advised the dismissed employees to approach the department’s offices to lodge a case. “It is only after the dismissed employees have opened a file that we can pursue the matter.”