Farm worker sector applications for exemption received by the Department of Labour since 1 March 2013
7 Mar 2013
Despite claims to the contrary, a number of farmers have taken up the offer to apply for exemption to the Minister of Labour from the R105 a day wage for farmworkers as set out in the new sectoral determination that came into effect on 1 March 2013.
This follows the February 4 announcement by Minister Mildred Oliphant, setting out a new level of the minimum wage for the farmworker sector in South Africa after a long and extensive consultation process with all stakeholders.
Subsequent to the announcement of the new level of the minimum wage by the Minister, the department was informed by AGRI SA that farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga intend to retrench about 2000 workers - despite the offer made that those who cannot afford to pay the prescribed wages can apply for exemption. To date, the department has received 918 applications - with most of the applications received after 1 March 2013 which could delay the finalisation of the applications before the end of March 2013.
The following table reflects the number of applications received: