South Africa Government

12/12/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/12/2023 05:18

Employment and Labour on blitz inspections of textile and clothing industries in Mandeni

Department of Employment and Labour co-conducts blitz inspections of textile and clothing industries in Mandeni as employers try to evade inspections

A number of employers were found wanting as they tried to advance excuses and tinker their records to "dupe" inspectors on the first day of blitz inspections conducted in the Mandeni area in KwaZulu-Natal.

Some employers visited - in an attempt to sidestep inspections of their premises - cited recent visits by Departmental inspectors and that they were not informed about the latest visits. Some of the employers were guilty of conniving by assisting their workers to elope from the premises. In one establishment an employer said their operation was a co-operative which was in the process of closing shop this week - which could lead to job losses to more than 50 workers.

Today (12 December) the joint inter-departmental team led by Employment and Labour will embark on the second day of a blitz inspection to test compliance on labour matters in relation to working conditions, compliance to minimum wages, labour relations and occupational health and safety.

The Department of Employment and Labour on Monday (11 December) started a three-day inspection blitz in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Mandeni Metro Police, the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the textile sector bargaining council in the area of Ilembe District Municipality.

The joint operation is mainly focused on the textile and clothing industries.

The Department conducts the inspection blitz in line with adherence to international labour standards as espoused by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ensure that fundamental rights and principles are respected and that workplaces are kept safe and healthy. Department's Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters said through these inspections the Department seeks to leave no stone unturned, "our inspections are not only about compliance alone. As we carry out our planned inspections the emphasis is also on advocacy".

Department of Employment and Labour Chief Director: Provincial Operations Edward Khambula said the clothing and textile was one particular sector struggling to meet standards of compliance with labour legislation. Khambula said there is a collective agreement regulating the sector in the area of Mandeni, however, "once you fail to pay the National Minimum Wage we intervene."
Khambula cautioned that the inspections can be done without prior notifications.

"We understand challenges that go with unannounced inspections. Inspectors can still enter the premises without notification. They have powers as entailed in the legislation," he said.

In terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) a Labour inspector appointed under section 63(1) may promote, monitor and enforce compliance with an employment law.

The labour legislation further says in order to monitor and enforce compliance with an employment law, a labour inspector may - without warrant or notice - at any reasonable time enter: any workplace or any other place where an employer carries on business or keeps employment records, that is not a home; any premises used for training in terms of the Manpower Training Act, 1981 (Act No. 56 of 1981); any private employment office registered under section 15 of the Guidance and Placement Act, 1981 (Act No. 62 of 1981).

It is a criminal offence to interfere with the duties of the inspector.

The Mandeni blitz inspections will end tomorrow (Wednesday). They are part of a national initiative that will continue until March 2024.

For more information, please contact:
Petunia Lessing
Director: Media Liaison
Cell: +27 66 301 4645
Email: [email protected]