South Africa’s Lbour Department carried out 10 610 inspections on the domestic worker sector during August last year, says Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana.
“This was truly rewarding, as we experienced the high levels of compliance [with minimum wages and service conditions] which can largely be attributed to the process of implementation, from the consultations at the beginning to the advocacy work preceding the inspections,” he told a media briefing at Parliament on Tuesday.
“Domestic employers proved to be the friendliest sector to inspect. This is attributed to advocacy work that preceded the inspections. This experience in the domestic sector may be generalised for use in other sectors where possible,” said the minister.
The construction sector “with its huge accident rates and in many instances a complete disregard for overall health standards, was not as rewarding but the department is making strides in ensuring that all workers — particularly those in this sector — enjoy safer conditions”.
During the 747 recent inspections more than 1 100 contravention notices and 175 prohibition notices were issued. Indicating that inspection and enforcement of labour laws “are set to intensify”, Mdladlana emphasised that it was only “the most recalcitrant of employers that need to fear the inspectors”.
The domestic workers wage for urban areas was initially set at R4,51 per hour for domestic workers working 27 ordinary hours or less per week. From November 1 last year it was set at a minimum of R4,87 per hour.
The minimum of R4,10 an hour for those working more than 27 hours was adjusted to at least R4,42. In the rural areas, those working 27 hours or less a week got an increase to a minimum R3,95 per hour, while those working more than 27 hours should now receive R3,59. – I-Net Bridge