Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Jomo Sibiya, today led a multidisciplinary high-impact blitz inspection at the Msikaba Bridge construction site near Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. The inspection forms part of the Department's ongoing efforts to promote a safe and compliant working environment in the construction sector.
This collaborative initiative brought together key partners, including the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and other relevant stakeholders. The multi-disciplinary team conducted a rigorous inspection that focused on the construction sector to test the levels of compliance with various labour legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.
Before heading to the multimillion-rand infrastructure project, Deputy Minister Sibiya visited the Lusikisiki Labour Centre, where he took time to engage with staff and assess the working conditions at the facility. Reflecting on this visit, the Deputy Minister said: “As a Department that champions fair labour practices, we must also lead by example by ensuring that our own staff work in dignified conditions.” He further emphasised that the well-being of both our employees and the clients is a priority that cannot be overlooked.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of these inspections in protecting workers' rights and strengthening accountability in the construction sector.
The Department remains committed to working with all partners to ensure safe working conditions and compliance, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction.
Enquiries:
Teboho Thejane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 697 0694
E-mail: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
#ServiceDeliveryZA
