Cape Town — Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, addressed the media on several key initiatives the department has been working on, including compliance and inspection initiatives.
Meth took over the position in July 2024 and has embarked on nationwide collaborative efforts and inspections nationwide. The department has intensified efforts to ensure that all sectors adhere to employment laws through these inspections, and has worked alongside the Department of Home Affairs, Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector, as well as the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Hawks, SA Gov News reported.
“The scale and scope of these inspections demonstrate our commitment to upholding labour standards nationwide,” Meth said.
The Western Cape led the way with 809 inspections, followed by Gauteng (764) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (535). Further inspections were also done in the North West (217). Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69) and Mpumalanga (59).
According to The Citizen, Across all nine provinces, inspectors looked at 2 681 businesses, which averaged a compliance rate Limpopo produced the highest compliance rate with 78% of 106 establishments meeting the requirements, while Gauteng only had a compliance rate of 28%. The Western Cape had a compliance rate of 57%.
Home Affairs inspectors also arrested 81 foreign nationals out of 1 941 counted.
[Watch live] Minister Nomakhosazana Meth briefs media on inspections and compliance raids in South Africa https://t.co/qOc1rbR0Yy
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) October 1, 2024
These joint inspections targeted key sectors and regions, with significant activity in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KZN. Our dedicated teams have been meticulously verifying compliance with:
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
- Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)
- Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA)
- Employment Services Act, which also addresses the employment of foreigners in the labour markets.
- Promoting Fairness and Protecting Workers
“Our inspections have revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures. To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees,” Meth added.
She said law enforcements were approached with a balance of fairness and firmness, and all employers found in violation of compliance orders were given deadlines for corrective action. Prohibition notices were issued to stop hazardous activities which were a risk to health and safety protocols.
Meth said compliance was a collective responsibility that benefits everyone.
“We extend an open invitation to all employers, especially those who may be uncertain about their compliance status, to proactively engage with the Department of Employment and Labour. Our Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) offer support through:
“The choice to collaborate means that employers can avoid the repercussions of enforcement actions and contribute positively to a fair labour market,” she added.
The Department of Labour has collected over R10 million from employers during its compliance inspection and raids in the few past weeks. Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says the crackdown is on non-compliance and establishments underpaying their employees. She… pic.twitter.com/e0Wv3z4vJM
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
