By Akani Nkuna
Following a blitz on businesses across the country, the Employment and Labour Department has warned that it will continue with workplace inspections to ensure that they comply with laws.
Minister Nomakhosazana Meth told reporters on Tuesday that the department had intensified its efforts to ensure compliance.
It had been working with the Home Affairs Department, the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector and law enforcement agencies.
Recent inspections uncovered a “disturbing pattern” of non-compliance, with employers failing to meet basic labour standards.
Key violations included the underpayment of wages, illegal deductions from employees’ salaries and a lack of adequate measures to ensure workplace health and safety.
The Western Cape topped the list with 809 inspections. There were 764 inspections in Gauteng, 535 in KwaZulu-Natal, 217 in the North West, 82 in the Eastern Cape, 69 in the Free State, and 59 in Mpumalanga.
“We approach enforcement with a balance of firmness and fairness. Employers found in violations are issued compliance orders with clear deadlines for corrective actions,” said Meth.
The minister expressed deep concern over South Africa’s alarming unemployment rate, which was 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, saying unlawful employments were not helping.
“Concurrently, the employment of undocumented foreigners in various sectors raises serious concerns about the exploitation and the undermining of our legal frameworks,” she said.
The minister added that compliance was a collective responsibility that benefited 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.”
The department offers a wide range of initiatives and programmes to foster an environment where the businesses can thrive while adhering to the laws.
She said they included the temporary employer/employee relief scheme, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Operation Yazini.
Meth also pleaded with the businesses and concerned stakeholders to join the fight with the department to ensure that companies treated their staff fairly and were compliant.
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