The Inspection and Enforcement Services Branch of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West Province in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service participated in a joint high impact blitz inspection in Mahikeng, North West Province.
A total of 7 employers, (1 main contractor and 6 subcontractors) were inspected at a construction site in Dihatshwane were inspected on the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act which are key in terms of the legislation within the Department’s mandate.
These led to a total of 28 inspections completed as per the respective legislation and all of them were found to be compliant with COIDA, and not complying with UIA and OHS. Three were found to be non-compliant with BCEA and NMW.
According to the Provincial Chief Inspector, Mr. Chris Sithole, 6 contravention notices were issued together with 23 compliance orders. The highest common areas of non-compliance were found in employers not paying according to NMW and also not providing employees with contracts of employment, non-registration as employer and non-submission of UI declarations and return of earnings.
“Non-compliance in the construction sector is prevalent and it is worrying. I find it difficult to understand why an employer would fail to provide proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), not appointing an approved construction health and safety officer amongst the simple compliance requirements,” said Mr. Sithole.
In addition, 4 foreign nationals were taken in for processing by the Department of Home Affairs, for contravening the Immigration Act and two employers were fined R20 000.00 each for employing non documented foreign nationals.
Today’s inspections included Wholesale & Retail; and Metal sectors where several non-compliance were also identified around UIA & BCEA.
This blitz inspection is part of the multi-pronged service delivery campaign led by Department of Employment and Labour and other government department where a number of activities were carried out throughout the country.
For media inquiries, please contact: Teboho Thejane, Departmental Spokesperson 082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
