Department of Employment and Labour focus on labour law compliance in the Domestic Worker’s sector in Mpumalanga

The Department of Employment and Labour has conducted a number of inspections to employers operating in the Domestic Workers Sector in Mpumalanga Province and found that many are found wanting when it comes to compliance with labour legislation.

The inspections were to determine the employers’ compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Sectoral Determination, including the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act. The outcome of this exercise has indicated a need for an advocacy session with the domestic worker’s sector.

The theme of the seminar is: “Paying the National Minimum Wage is the Right Thing to Do”.

The seminar comes in a year in which for the first time the National Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers has fallen in line with other sectors. Furthermore, domestic workers can now be registered as employees with the Compensation Fund against injuries on duty. The National Minimum Wage for each ordinary hour worked had been increased from R21,69 to R23.19 for the year 2022 with effect from 01 March 2022.

The seminar is part of the department’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch to educate stakeholders on labour laws and promote compliance.

The Domestic Worker’s Sector has long been identified as a problematic sector when it comes to compliance with labour laws, with workers still paid lower wages and subjected to sorts of abuse and exploitation.

During the seminar the outcome of an inspection blitz is expected to be unveiled. The seminar is also expected to focus on compliance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the National Minimum Wage Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. There will also be a presentation on the disputes referred to the CCMA.

Stakeholders targeted by the seminar include: domestic workers, gardeners, trade unions, organised business, employer organisations, organised labour and bargaining councils.

Source: Government of South Africa