Labour Committee calls on department to resolve challenges
The Portfolio Committee on Labour has instructed the management of the Department of Labour in the Eastern Cape to compile a report detailing the challenges they face and how they plan to address them (challenges).
Committee Chairperson Mr Eric Nyekemba said the report must also include challenges that could only be resolved by the head office, and it must be sent to the Committee by mid-February. The department acknowledged their shortcomings and expressed interest in resolving their challenges.
Last month, the Committee visited the department and its entities in the Eastern Cape and interacted with officials and the public. Places visited were: Mount Allyf, Lusikisuki, Mthatha, Cofimvaba, Queenstown, Fort Beaufort, East London’s Sheltered Employment Factory (SEF) and labour centre. The purpose of the trip was to gain understanding of challenges encountered at the provincial office and labour centres; the contingency plans in place and possible assistance that may be forthcoming.
After interacting with management, officials and members of the public, the Committee discovered a number of challenges. The challenges included small office space, unavailability of printing papers, inefficient internet and telephone connectivity and, in some instances, late payout of Unemployment Insurance Funds.
The Committee is this week (until Friday) visiting the Northern Cape (view detailed programme).
For media enquiries or interviews with the Acting Chairperson, please contact:
Justice Molafo, Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 073 457 5026
Tel: 021 403 8444
E-mail: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
