Over fifty contravention notices issued during the mega blitz inspections around Potchefstroom in the North West
Over 180 employers were inspected during the weeklong mega blitz inspection conducted by the Inspection and Enforcement Services unit of the Department of Employment and Labour, with over fifty (50) contravention notices issued.
According to the Inspector General, Aggy Moiloa, the most common notices issued were for violations of the National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) (BCEA).
"What we discovered during these inspections is that most employers are underpaying their employees, making illegal deductions, and failing to provide their employees with payslips and employment contracts. We have since issued them with contravention notices, and we expect them to correct this within the time frames specified".
According to Moiloa, follow-up mega blitz inspections will be conducted to ensure that compliance is maintained, and those who are still found to be violating the labour law will be dealt with in accordance with standard operating procedures, which include referral for prosecution.
One of the issues raised is a violation of the OHS's Electrical Installations Regulations and Standards, which poses a serious risk to lives.
"This is one of the riskier areas because it poses a risk to lives; if anything goes wrong, these installations will cause serious catastrophic incidents that can result in the loss of lives”, Moiloa said.
The Department was checking compliance with Labour Legislation such as OHS, UIA, Compensation Fund (CF) Act, BCEA, and the NMWA during these inspections, which were primarily focused on the road freight and logistics, iron and steel, and manufacturing sectors.
The blitz was a collaborative effort between the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI).
Due to the presence of these stakeholders, eleven (11) foreign nationals who lacked proper documentation were arrested.
For media enquiries contact:
Botsang Huma
Provincial Communication Officer: NW
Cell: 082 497 7438
E-mail: botsang.huma@labour.gov.za
Petunia Lessing
Director: Media Liaison
Cell: 066 301 4645
E-mail: petunia.lessing@labour.gov.za
