Paarl farmers leave bitter taste in labour Minister Oliphant's mouth

30 Mar 2012

Blitz inspections conducted early today (Fri) by the Department of Labour inspectors under the leadership of Minister Mildred Oliphant in the Paarl area have revealed shockingly high levels of 72 % non-compliance with various aspects of labour laws.

The inspections focused on compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act as well as occupational health and safety.

Of particular concern to the teams of inspectors were non-compliance by employers with environmental regulations, ablution facilities being sub-standard and general safety of workers being compromised with basic equipment like fire extinguishers not being in proper working condition.

The minister said out of the 39 farms visited, a total of 28 were found to be non-compliant.

She said three of the farms were shut down due to "unsafe'' working conditions. These related to workers not having the necessary protective clothing and the upkeep of the chemical workshop not being in satisfactory state. The farms would not be allowed to resume operations until the areas of concern have been addressed and cleared by inspectors.

Addressing the media in the area, Oliphant, said amidst the bleak news, there were positive stories of compliance with some farmers being exemplary. She thanked employers' body, Agri-SA for its role in encouraging farmers to comply with the law.

Oliphant stressed that the visits were not punitive but to improving understanding of "our laws'' and thus boosting compliance.

She singled out one of the farms that she visited which she found to be a model of what other farmers can learn from. "It is my view that this farm - Nantes sets the standard and that they would share their skills with other farmers," she said.

She added that the department is more interested in helping rather than punishing farmers. "Our aim is to give farmers an understanding of how to comply with the law so that they can grow their business.

If the business is successful, more and more people would be employed which is one of the main things that this government is pre-occupied with - to increase the level of employment and create more opportunities for job-seekers."

Oliphant said after visiting all provinces, she would host a workers and farmers' summit to address issues raised and to foster good relations.

Statement issued by Musa Zondi, Department of Labour, March 30 2012

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