M Mdladlana on accusations by DA on Compensation Fund
inefficiencies

7 April 2006

The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana has responded to the request
from the DA for an investigation into the Compensation Fund’s inefficiency by
saying he ordered such a probe more than a year ago.

The process claimed its first casualty with the dismissal of former
Compensation Fund commissioner Bongiwe Magojo. The matter has been referred to
the Scorpions for further investigation.

Minister Mdladlana was reacting to claims by the DA’s health spokesperson
Dianne Kohler Barnard that the healthcare system for employees injured at work
was in a state of crisis because of the Compensation Fund for occupational
injuries and diseases was ‘failing disastrously’ to do its job.

The Minister said: “While the DA may be thinking that they have discovered a
secret, we realised this long time ago and put in place mechanisms to correct
the situation. That is why we are in the process of appointing a new
commissioner in order to put the fund on sound footing. For now I can only
advise the DA to hold its horses and watch the space.”

Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168

Issued by: Department of Labour
7 April 2006