Farm workers exploited despite revised laws
FARM workers in Kwazulu-natal
continue to be exploited and subjected to unhealthy working conditions by employers, some of whom continue to break labour laws.
These were among the findings made by the Department of Employment and Labour chief inspector Edward Khambula when the department conducted a mass inspection last week – accompanied by MPS from various parliamentary portfolio committees – to two agricultural districts in the province: Amajuba (Newcastle) and uthukela District around Ladysmith.
The delegation raised concerns about the fact that injustices and abuse of farm workers continued, despite revised laws to protect them.
Khambula said the joint oversight was conducted in terms of a National Assembly resolution to assess current legislation and explore opportunities for a legislative review to address the grievances of farm workers, farm dwellers and labour tenants.
“From the farms visited for inspection, it was discovered that 8% of employers were not paying the national minimum wage,” he said.
They were also not providing written contracts of employment to workers, issuing payslips, keeping attendance registers and compensating workers for overtime worked.
“Under the safety conditions, we found that 58% of the farm owners were not following the labour laws appropriately. And we also discovered that 70% of the employers were not following the Unemployment Insurance Act and the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act accordingly,” said Khambula.
Nhlanhla Khumalo, spokesperson for the Department of Labour and Employment, said those who were found to be contravening the law were issued with seven- and 60-day notices.
“The conditions vary; some required urgent intervention and we gave them a seven-day notice. Our team is going back next week. Failure to comply after the notice, (then) the department will hand over the case to its legal department and pursue criminal charges.”
Employers declined to comment when approached about the alleged contravention of labour laws, while some have handed the matter over to their lawyers.