Thohoyandou Labour Centre closed as electrical sparks fly
An electrical fault which partly burned the building has led to the closure of the Thohoyandou Labour Centre in Vhembe district, Limpopo. The closure has prompted the Department of Employment and Labour to seek alternative accommodation but until then, clients are advised to use alternative labour centres in Malamulele (approx. 30 kms away) or Makhado (aprrox 80 kms away).
The provincial office is also investigating setting up a mobile office while the source of the electrical fault is being investigated and addressed.
Said the Chief Director Provincial Operations Ms Johannah Machaba: “As a department, we would like to apologise for the inconvenience the closure will cause to our clients. But we appeal for their understanding because we would not want them to be placed in danger until we have finalised and sorted out the electrical problem. While this temporary arrangement will negatively impact service delivery, the health and safety of our clients is a priority”.
She added that the closure of the office comes during a difficult time for the nation amidst the pandemic, but it shows the seriousness of the department in enforcing compliance.
“Limpopo is a rural province and most of our clients are not technology savvy, but I am encouraging those who have access to utilise our online services until the matter is resolved,” she said.
Inspectors closed the labour centre following a complaint by employees about the electrical fault which included flying sparks, the smell of burning cables, overloading of the electrical fire that resulted in the burning of some parts of the building.
Inspectors closed the building because it contravened the OHS Act 85 of 1993 as the electrical fault posed immediate danger to both the staffs and clients.
Subsequently, the department has put the following measures in place:
- The inspectorate officials will work from home but will continue conducting inspections.
- Other officials will report to the nearest labour centres
- Public Employment Services officials will continue working from home
The department profusely apologises for the inconvenience caused.
Enquiries:
Lerato Mashamba
Cell: 082 908 1833
