The Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprise yesterday (Wednesday) undertook an unannounced oversight visit to the Service Product Sheltered Employment Factory (SEF) at Ndabeni in the Western Cape.
The factory employs 180 people with disabilities. The Select Committee decided during its strategic planning session, held at the beginning of this year, to investigate the working conditions at a number of SEFs in the country. This after the Committee found that conditions were unsatisfactory at a SEF it had visited in the Eastern Cape this year. The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Priscilla Themba said people with disabilities must work in a conducive environment.
The Service Product SEF management said one of the biggest challenges facing the factory was the severe shortage of finance from government. The factory manufactures furniture for the Western Cape schools and clothing material for government hospitals in the province. The Committee found that some buildings were inaccessible (for people with disabilities). The Committee was also of the view that some buildings were dilapidated and posed a health hazard, which needed immediate attention. Employee salaries ranged from R3000 to R4000 a month.
Ms Themba said factory employees were doing a good job but the “unfortunate part” was the lack of young people. “I think it’s a matter of financing. If you listen to people that are working here they have long service which ranges from 16 to 30 years. Young people need to be recruited so that they can come and get training and skills,” she added. The Committee will compile a report (about its oversight visits) and send it to relevant departments.
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Yoliswa Landu
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Labour and Public Enterprise select committee checks working conditions
