Blitz inspections among small employers in Mpumalanga expose high levels of non-compliance
The four- week rigorous integrated inspection by Department of Employment and Labour personnel which has just been concluded in several parts of Mpumalanga has revealed high levels of non-compliance among small employers.
Provincial chief inspector (PCI), Nonyaniso Njwambe, said the inspections sought to test “ the compliance with the National Minimum Wage ( NMW), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)”.
“The process of conducting these inspections included the examination and thorough analysis of documents as well as interviews with employees”, she said
Areas targeted were Bushbuckridge, Standerton, eMalahleni and Mkhondo.
She said: “For instance in Bushbuckridge there were many cases of non-compliance with the need to provide employees with written contracts and payslips. In Standerton some employers went as far as closing their businesses for up to two days to frustrate inspections while in other areas we received reports of victimisation of employees after our visits”.
“We also experienced cases of some employers trying to bribe our inspectors”, Njwambe said.
She said there were several cases of non –compliance with the NMW.
The PCI said: “Employers should know that compliance with labour laws is not an option. We use our inspections both to advocate compliance and to ensure that non-compliance is eliminated”.
She urged employers to prioritise compliance in their business plans. She also paid tribute to the South African Police Services (SAPS) for accompanying the team of inspectors during the raids.
At the same time, Njwambe praised the 24-person team of inspectors for stopping at nothing to ensure compliance”.
“These are our unsung heroes in the Department”, she said.
For inquiries contact:
Nonyaniso Njwambe
Provincial Chief Inspector: Mpumalanga
Cell: 082 415 7083
